On November 8, 1991, a Maule M4-220C (registration N40625) operated by Doug & Carole Henry was involved in an aviation accident near Coolidge, AZ. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN DIRECTIONAL CONTROL OF THE AIRCRAFT DURING THE TAKEOFF GROUND RUN DUE TO INADEQUATE COMPENSATION FOR THE EXISTING WIND CONDITIONS. A FACTOR IN THIS ACCIDENT WAS THE UNFAVORABLE WIND REPORTED BY THE PILOT. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
During takeoff on runway 30, the aircraft encountered a change in elevation, became light, and lacked airspeed for control. Wind from 080 degrees at 7 knots gusting to 10 caused drift off the airstrip, leading to a collision with a ditch.
Accident Details
A pilot reported that during the takeoff run on runway 30, the aircraft crossed a point of change in elevation. The airplane became light and did not have enough airspeed to be controlled by the rudder or aileron.
Pilot's Account
The pilot stated that the wind caused the aircraft to drift off the airstrip to the west. The reported wind direction was from 080 degrees at 7 miles per hour, gusting to 10 miles per hour.
Sequence of Events
The aircraft continued, without the pilot being able to gain control, until it collided with a ditch. No further details were provided regarding the aircraft type, registration, or other circumstances.