Maule ML-4 N4623T

Summary

On 24 September 1999 at about 21:06 local time, a Maule ML-4 registered N4623T was involved in an accident near Anchorage, Alaska, United States. One person was on board and one had minor injuries. The aircraft was substantially damaged. The NTSB has published a probable cause for this accident; it is quoted in full below.

Date

24 September 1999 at 21:06

Classification

Accident

Location

Anchorage, Alaska, United States

Nearest airport

Lake Hood Strip (Z41)

Coordinates

61.1591, -149.9897

Aircraft

Maule ML-4

Registration

N4623T

Category

Airplane

Engines

1

Operator

Not recorded

Operating rule

Part 91: General Aviation

Purpose of flight

Unknown

Phase of flight

Not recorded

Aircraft damage

Substantial

Weather

VMC

Light

Day

NTSB number

ANC99LA152

1 person had minor injuries.

The improper (reversed) connection of the elevator control cables by the owner/pilot-mechanic, and the failure to have the installation inspected by another mechanic.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record. This site does not paraphrase or interpret it.

Read the full NTSB narrative

The pilot was beginning the first postmaintenance check flight after rebuilding the airplane. As the airplane began to fly off the runway, the pilot pulled aft on the yoke, and the airplane nosed over. Postaccident inspection revealed the elevator cables were connected backwards. The pilot, who is also a certificated aircraft mechanic, told the NTSB investigator-in-charge that he bought the airplane as a project and rebuilt it. He stated he hooked up the elevator cables backwards, and did not recognize the error during his inspection. He added that he did not have anyone else inspect his work.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record.