Summary
On December 17, 1995, a Maule M-4 (N12010) was involved in an accident near Hot Springs, SD. The accident resulted in 1 minor injury, with 2 people uninjured out of 3 aboard. The aircraft sustained substantial damage.
The National Transportation Safety Board determined the probable cause of this accident to be: An unauthorized modification of the air induction system by the pilot.
On December 16, 1995, at 1800 mountain standard time (mst), a Maule M-4, N12010, piloted by a private pilot, was substantially damaged, when it collided with terrain, following a loss of engine power shortly after takeoff. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident. The personal 14 CFR Part 91 flight was not operating on a flight plan. The pilot reported minor injuries, the two passengers were uninjured. The flight departed from Hot Springs, South Dakota, en route to Sioux Falls, South Dakota, exact time unknown.
During a telephone interview with the pilot on December 18, 1995 the pilot explained the reason for the loss of power. He said that in an attempt to increase the amount of cabin heat, he closed off the two air inlets to the engine with cardboard.
This accident is documented in NTSB report CHI96LA056. AviatorDB cross-references NTSB investigation data with FAA registry records to provide comprehensive safety information for aircraft N12010.
Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
an unauthorized modification of the air induction system by the pilot.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Historical)
Analysis
On December 16, 1995, at 1800 mountain standard time (mst), a Maule M-4, N12010, piloted by a private pilot, was substantially damaged, when it collided with terrain, following a loss of engine power shortly after takeoff. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident. The personal 14 CFR Part 91 flight was not operating on a flight plan. The pilot reported minor injuries, the two passengers were uninjured. The flight departed from Hot Springs, South Dakota, en route to Sioux Falls, South Dakota, exact time unknown.
During a telephone interview with the pilot on December 18, 1995 the pilot explained the reason for the loss of power. He said that in an attempt to increase the amount of cabin heat, he closed off the two air inlets to the engine with cardboard. One air inlet allows cooling air to enter the cowling, the second air inlet supplies air to the carburetor. The pilot reported that after takeoff the airplane would not climb.
The airplane's propeller, firewall and fuselage longerons were bent, and the main landing gear was knocked off during the forced landing.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# CHI96LA056