Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN CLEARANCE FROM THE FENCE POST. FACTORS INCLUDE SUNGLARE, SLUSH COVERED TERRAIN, AND THE PILOT'S SELECTION OF UNSUITABLE TERRAIN FOR TAKEOFF.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Historical)
Analysis
On November 15, 1995, at 0800 mountain standard time, a Maule M- 6-235, N5646Z, collided with a fence post during the takeoff ground roll from a driveway near Wisdom, Montana. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time and no flight plan was filed for the personal flight. The airplane was substantially damaged and the private pilot, the sole occupant, was not injured.
In a written statement, the pilot reported that during the takeoff ground roll from a narrow driveway, he maneuvered the airplane to the left to avoid a deer. During this maneuver, the left wing collided with a fence post. The pilot stated that the sun was in his eyes and the driveway was "slick with snow, mud and mud ruts which made the plane difficult to control."
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# SEA96LA019