Summary
On May 23, 2017, a Maule MX7 (N888WF) was involved in an incident near Sidney, ME. All 1 person 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 delayed application of rudder and failure to maintain directional control during takeoff.
The pilot of a tailwheel-equipped airplane reported that during takeoff on a grass airstrip, he applied full power and the airplane veered to the left "more than normal" and he "was late" to correct with right rudder. The airplane impacted a tree, the left wing separated, and the airplane came to rest on its left side.
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing.
The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
This incident is documented in NTSB report GAA17CA304. AviatorDB cross-references NTSB investigation data with FAA registry records to provide comprehensive safety information for aircraft N888WF.
Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
The pilot’s delayed application of rudder and failure to maintain directional control during takeoff.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Historical)
Analysis
The pilot of a tailwheel-equipped airplane reported that during takeoff on a grass airstrip, he applied full power and the airplane veered to the left "more than normal" and he "was late" to correct with right rudder. The airplane impacted a tree, the left wing separated, and the airplane came to rest on its left side.
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing.
The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane 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# GAA17CA304