On May 19, 1989, a Maule M-4 (registration N4713T) was involved in an aviation accident near Csttltn-hdsn, NY. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT'S SELECTION OF UNSUITABLE TERRAIN. A CONTRIBUTING FACTOR WAS THE WET, SOFT GRASS. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A Maule ML-4 pilot made a precautionary landing on a closed sod airport due to a suspected carburetor problem. After a ground run showed no issue, the pilot had a grass swath cut but takeoff speed was not attained; the aircraft nosed over during abort.
Incident Details
The pilot of a Maule ML-4, suspecting a carburetor problem, performed a precautionary landing on a sod-surfaced, closed airport. After landing, the pilot conducted a ground run of the engine, which operated without issue.
Sequence of Events
Deciding to depart, the pilot requested a person mowing grass nearby to cut a 10-foot by 1000-foot swath. Once the grass was cut, the pilot initiated a takeoff. However, the aircraft failed to reach takeoff speed, and the main wheels began sinking into the ground. The pilot aborted the takeoff, and as the aircraft slowed, it nosed over.