On December 23, 1992, a Maule M-5-180C (registration N1TK) operated by Harold M.dickinson was involved in an aviation accident near Moultrie, GA. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT-IN-COMMAND'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN AIRSPEED ON INITIAL TAKEOFF CLIMB RESULTING IN AN IN FLIGHT LOSS OF CONTROL (STALL) AND SUBSEQUENT IN FLIGHT COLLISION WITH TERRAIN. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
During a maintenance test flight in visual conditions, the pilot reported that after beginning takeoff roll, the tail wheel lifted, the left wing dropped, and the airplane became airborne in a nose-up attitude. It stalled, struck the ground, and sustained substantial damage. The pilot and two passengers received minor injuries.
Event Sequence
The flight was a maintenance test flight conducted by a private pilot under visual meteorological conditions. During the initial takeoff roll, the pilot observed that the tail wheel came off the ground and simultaneously the left wing dropped. The pilot applied aft pressure on the control stick, resulting in the airplane becoming airborne in a nose-up attitude. Subsequently, the airplane stalled. The left wing struck the ground first. The airplane then rotated around its vertical axis to the left. Following this, the engine separated from the fuselage, and the right wing impacted the ground.
Damage and Injuries
After the sequence of events, the airplane came to a stop with substantial damage. The pilot and two passengers sustained minor injuries.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 23 Dec 1992 Maule M-5-180C accident near Moultrie, GA?
During a maintenance test flight in visual conditions, the pilot reported that after beginning takeoff roll, the tail wheel lifted, the left wing dropped, and the airplane became airborne in a nose-up attitude. It stalled, struck the ground, and sustained substantial damage. The pilot and two passengers received…
Were there any fatalities in the 23 Dec 1992 Maule M-5-180C accident?
No fatalities were recorded in this accident.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 23 Dec 1992 involved a Maule M-5-180C, registration N1TK, operated by Harold M.dickinson, at Moultrie, GA.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
THE PILOT-IN-COMMAND'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN AIRSPEED ON INITIAL TAKEOFF CLIMB RESULTING IN AN IN FLIGHT LOSS OF CONTROL (STALL) AND SUBSEQUENT IN FLIGHT COLLISION WITH TERRAIN.