Casualties unknown

1983-10-02: Maule M-6-235 (N5646D) — Elberta, AL

Elberta, AL, US

On October 2, 1983, a Maule M-6-235 (registration N5646D) was involved in an aviation accident near Elberta, AL. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 1781061362Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot and a passenger-pilot landed on a grass runway, drifted left due to crosswind, and continued onto soft soil where the gear dug in, causing the aircraft to nose over.

Incident Overview

A pilot, accompanied by a passenger who was also a pilot but not performing as such on this flight, took off and later returned to the airport. The pilot landed on the north-south runway. During the landing roll, the pilot encountered a crosswind that caused the aircraft to drift to the left side of the grass strip.

Terrain and Conditions

Adjacent to the runway there was a parallel strip of smooth ground. The pilot stated that he believed this ground was hard, packed dirt, and allowed the aircraft to continue off the grass area. However, the soil was soft. As a result, the landing gear dug into the soft ground and the aircraft nosed over.

Wind Information

Approximately 18 miles east-northeast at Pensacola, Florida, the wind was reported from 140 degrees at 6 knots.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001214X44737. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.