Summary
On June 11, 2016, a Maule M 6-235 (N5650J) was involved in an incident near Fairbanks, AK. All 3 people aboard were uninjured. The aircraft sustained substantial damage.
The National Transportation Safety Board determined the probable cause of this incident to be: The pilot's decision to land on terrain unsuitable for a wheel equipped airplane.
The pilot stated that while attempting to assess the suitability of a gravel-covered ridge top for future landings in his tail-wheel equipped airplane, he attempted a full flap landing on the main wheels. After bouncing twice, he aborted the landing and adjusted the flaps to 40 degrees and applied full power. During the subsequent takeoff, he felt something hit the airplane, but elected to continue the takeoff and proceed to his final destination. During a postflight inspection, the pilot discovered substantial damage to the lower cross member structure of the fuselage.
The pilot stated there were no pre-accident mechanical malfunctions or anomalies that would have precluded normal operation.
This incident is documented in NTSB report ANC16CA031. AviatorDB cross-references NTSB investigation data with FAA registry records to provide comprehensive safety information for aircraft N5650J.
Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
The pilot's decision to land on terrain unsuitable for a wheel equipped airplane.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Current)
Analysis
The pilot stated that while attempting to assess the suitability of a gravel-covered ridge top for future landings in his tail-wheel equipped airplane, he attempted a full flap landing on the main wheels. After bouncing twice, he aborted the landing and adjusted the flaps to 40 degrees and applied full power. During the subsequent takeoff, he felt something hit the airplane, but elected to continue the takeoff and proceed to his final destination. During a postflight inspection, the pilot discovered substantial damage to the lower cross member structure of the fuselage.
The pilot stated there were no pre-accident mechanical malfunctions or anomalies that would have precluded normal operation.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# ANC16CA031