Maule M7-235C N5657A

Summary

On 15 November 1999 at about 16:06 local time, a Maule M7-235C registered N5657A was involved in an accident near Palmer, Alaska, United States. One person was on board and nobody was injured. The aircraft was substantially damaged. The NTSB has published a probable cause for this accident; it is quoted in full below.

Date

15 November 1999 at 16:06

Classification

Accident

Location

Palmer, Alaska, United States

Nearest airport

Four Corners Airstrip (14AK)

Coordinates

61.6206, -148.9791

Aircraft

Maule M7-235C

Registration

N5657A

Category

Airplane

Engines

1

Operator

Not recorded

Operating rule

Part 91: General Aviation

Purpose of flight

Personal

Phase of flight

Not recorded

Route

Unknown → Mystic Lake

Aircraft damage

Substantial

Weather

VMC

Light

Day

NTSB number

ANC00LA013

Nobody was injured.

The pilot's intentional takeoff into known adverse weather. Factors associated with this accident are crosswinds, gusts, and downdrafts.

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

Read the full NTSB narrative

The pilot reported he was attempting to takeoff in gusty, crosswind conditions. Once airborne, he said the strong right crosswind required almost a 90 degree crab. He stated the left wing contacted the trees, and the plane settled into the trees upright. The owner of the 1,500 feet long by 100 feet wide, north-south airstrip, who witnessed the accident, said winds and downdrafts were strong, gusty, and 'rolling over the trees.' The witness said the right crosswind pushed the airplane into the trees. The weather observation from an airport four miles to the west recorded winds from 040 degrees at 13 knots, gusting to 25 knots.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record.