# NTSB SEA96LA142: Maule MX-7-180, N5663U, Newport, OR, July 5, 1996

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: July 5, 1996, 11:00 local (18:00 UTC)
- Place: Newport, OR
- Coordinates: 44.660972, -124.010986 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=44.6610&lon=-124.0110&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Landing](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/550) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 2 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report April 3, 1997
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 42406
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=SEA96LA142
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/42406/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA96LA142

## Probable cause

the passenger's inadvertent activation of the aircraft's rudder, which resulted in a loss of directional control and collision with a tree during an attempted go-around (aborted landing).

## Sequence of events

In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf).

- Loss of control - in flight, landing - flare/touchdown
  - rudder - inadvertent activation, passenger (cause)
  - directional control - not possible
  - proper alignment - not possible
- In flight collision with object, landing - aborted
  - object - tree(s)

## Analysis

Just as the pilot began the landing flare, the passenger attempted to adjust his position in his seat. While trying to adjust his position, the passenger inadvertently depressed the rudder pedal and held it in that position. As the aircraft responded to the rudder deflection, the pilot attempted a go-around, but was unable to maintain control with the rudder remaining in the deflected position. The aircraft crashed into trees before the go-around was completed.

## Factual narrative

On July 5, 1996, approximately 1100 Pacific daylight time, a Maule MX-7-180, N5663U, was substantially damaged in a collision with trees and terrain following a loss of control on approach to landing at Newport, Oregon.  The private pilot and a passenger were not injured.  Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed for the 14 CFR 91 flight from Snohomish County-Paine Field, Everett, Washington.

The passenger, who was riding in the right front seat, stated that while attempting to adjust himself in the seat, he accidentally pushed on the rudder pedal, which put the aircraft out of control.  The FAA preliminary accident notification indicated that the pilot attempted to regain control and initiate a go-around, but with the rudder fully deflected by the passenger, the pilot was unable to take successful remedial action, and the aircraft crashed into trees before the go-around was completed.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N5663U](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N5663U-2014-10-28), registration cancelled 2014-10-28, S/N 11023C (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: Maule MX-7-180
- Registry model: [Maule MX-7-180](https://openairdocs.org/model/maule-mx-7-180) (registry code 5470205) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 11023-C
- Airframe hours: 2120
- Engines: Lycoming O-360-C1F 180 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Mickey B. Rose
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, June 18, 1996, 26 hours before
- Departed: PAE, EVERETT, WA
- Destination: ONP
- Airport: ONP, Newport Municipal, runway 34, 5,398 × 150 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 48; private; airplane ratings: multi-engine land, single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 406 total, 390 in this make and model, 331 as pilot in command, 48 in the last 90 days, 38 in the last 30 days, 3 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 330° at 10 knots
- Visibility: 25 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 79 °F

## FAA reports on this event (1)

The FAA's own accident and incident reports, matched to the aircraft by N-number and date (OpenAirDocs).

- [Accident 19960705043959A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19960705043959A), Jul 5, 1996: Maule MX7180, Newport, OR, Substantial damage. Lost control on final when passenger pushed full rudder trying adjust seat. Tried go around but hit trees.

From the NTSB's public API. Aircraft are matched to registry aircraft by N-number and event date, checked against the reported serial number, make and model; the registry's history has gaps, so older matches can be wrong. Compare the reported make and model.

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