# NTSB SEA98FA090: Maule M-5-220C, N16CB, Kettle Falls, WA, June 6, 1998 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · Fatal · Field investigation · Final report - Date: June 6, 1998, 10:00 local (17:00 UTC) - Place: Kettle Falls, WA - Coordinates: 48.719524, -117.959098 (estimated) - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=48.7195&lon=-117.9591&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Highest injury: Fatal - Injuries: 2 fatal - Status: Completed, report January 10, 2000 - Report: Approved by Office Director - NTSB case key (mKey): 43709 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=SEA98FA090 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/43709/pdf - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA98FA090 ## Probable cause The pilot's failure to maintain terrain clearance. A factor was an attempt to perform aerobatics at low altitude. ## Analysis Witnesses described the airplane performing maneuvers that were described as aerobatic prior to impact about 35 degrees nose down, and provided a photograph taken shortly before the accident of the airplane in an inverted attitude. This airplane is not approved for aerobatic maneuvers. The fuselage, engine and propeller, and one wing were recovered from 90 feet of water for inspection by FAA inspectors. Records indicated that this airplane had recently had structural repairs to the steel tubing structure. Those areas, as well as the rest of the structure and wing and wing-strut attachment points were inspected by FAA inspectors and an NTSB investigator. No evidence was found of pre-impact structural failure of the airplane. ## Factual narrative On June 6, 1998, approximately 1000 Pacific daylight time, a Maule M-5-220C, N16CB, was destroyed when it impacted Lake Roosevelt, near Kettle Falls, Washington, while maneuvering. The commercial pilot and his passenger were fatally injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident. There was no fire, and no report of an ELT actuation. Witnesses described the airplane performing maneuvers that were described as aerobatic prior to impact about 35 degrees nose down, and provided a photograph taken shortly before the accident of the airplane in an inverted attitude. This airplane is not approved for aerobatic maneuvers. The fuselage, engine and propeller, and one wing were recovered from 90 feet of water for inspection by FAA inspectors. Records indicated that this airplane had recently had structural repairs to the steel tubing structure. Those areas, as well as the rest of the structure and wing and wing-strut attachment points, were inspected by FAA inspectors and an NTSB investigator. No evidence was found of pre-impact structural failure of the airplane. The pilot was in the area assisting on an archeological study and was reported to have completed a photo mission preceding the accident. Witnesses in the area were part of the archeological team. Toxicological testing by the FAA showed negative results for carbon monoxide, cyanide, ethanol, and drugs. An autopsy was performed by Jerry LeBret, Colville, Washington, deputy coroner and a certificate of death signed June 11, 1998. The recovered wreckage was moved to a salvage yard in Deer Park, Washington. ## Sequence of events In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf). - In flight collision with terrain/water, maneuvering - terrain condition - water - aerobatics - attempted, pilot in command (contributing factor) - clearance - not maintained, pilot in command (cause) ## Aircraft - Registration: [N16CB](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N16CB-2012-08-08), registration cancelled 2012-08-08, S/N 5016C, built 1974 (OpenAirDocs) - Reported make and model: Maule M-5-220C - Registry model: [Maule M-5-220C](https://openairdocs.org/model/maule-m-5-220c) (registry code 5460133) (OpenAirDocs) - Registry engine: [Franklin 6A&6V335 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/franklin-6a-6v335-series) (registry code 27020, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs) - Category: Airplane - Serial number: 5016C - Engines: Franklin 6A-350-C1 220 horsepower reciprocating - Damage: Destroyed - Flight: Personal, Part 91 - Registered owner: Blanton H. Owen - Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal - Last inspection: Annual, January 23, 1998 - Departed: COLVILLE, WA ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Pilot; age 53; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 2, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; toxicology performed; flight hours: 2,750 total ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day - Visibility: 50 statute miles - Lowest ceiling: none - Temperature: 70 °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 19980606012409A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19980606012409A), Jun 6, 1998: Maule M5220C, Kettle Falls, WA, Destroyed, 2 fatal. Acft crashed under unknown circumstances, 2 POB suffered fatal inj acft has unknown damage, Kettle Falls, WA. (-23) after photo flight buzzed ground crew,… ## Other investigations on N16CB (2) 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. - [NTSB FTW94LA002](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW94LA002), Oct 3, 1993: Maule M-5-200C (N16CB), Watkins, CO, substantial damage. Probable cause: THE PILOT'S LOSS OF DIRECTIONAL CONTROL RESULTING IN THE INADVERTENT GROUND LOOP. A FACTOR WAS THE INSTRUCTOR'S FAILURE TO TAKE REMEDIAL ACTION ON A TIMELY MANNER. - [NTSB DEN93LA028](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN93LA028), Feb 28, 1993: Maule M-5-220C (N16CB), Englewood, CO, substantial damage. Probable cause: FAILURE BY THE PILOT TO MAINTAIN CONTROL OF THE AIRCRAFT. A FACTOR WAS: LACK OF EXPERIENCE IN TYPE OF AIRCRAFT. 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. --- OpenAirDocs.org is an independent research project of [Contrail Labs](https://contraillabs.com/). It is not affiliated with the FAA or the NTSB. Source documents are U.S. government works in the public domain.