Casualties unknown

1992-04-14: Maule M-7 (N61043) — Oedekoven, Fred L. — Aravada, WY

Aravada, WY, US

On April 14, 1992, a Maule M-7 (registration N61043) operated by Oedekoven, Fred L. was involved in an aviation accident near Aravada, WY. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN A VISUAL LOOKOUT, AND HIS DIVERTED ATTENTION. FACTORS INCLUDE A LOW PASS, AND A TRANSMISSION WIRE IN THE PATH OF FLIGHT. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 1 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

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

A pilot flying a Maule M-7 struck a powerline while conducting a low pass over a field to assess its suitability for landing, resulting in a collision with terrain.

Incident Overview

The pilot of a Maule M-7 planned to land in an open field to visit an acquaintance at a nearby ranch. Upon arriving in the area of the ranch, the pilot performed a low pass over the proposed landing site to verify that it was a safe field for touchdown.

Sequence of Events

During the low pass, the pilot was focused on examining the landing surface and did not see powerlines until it was too late to avoid them. The pilot attempted to fly under the wires but made contact with the lower powerline. The aircraft was then pulled down into the terrain.

Aircraft and Location Details

The aircraft involved was a Maule M-7. The incident occurred at an unspecified location near a ranch. No further details about the aircraft registration, operator, or exact date were provided.

Outcome

The source does not specify the extent of damage to the aircraft or any injuries to the occupants. The report solely describes the sequence of the low pass, contact with the powerline, and subsequent impact with the ground.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X14527. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.