On April 30, 1993, a Maule M5 (registration N5644D) operated by Sperber, Eugene J., Jr. was involved in an aviation accident near Green Bay, WI. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's inability to maintain directional control during takeoff on a soft, wet runway with crosswinds, resulting in a departure from the runway surface and nose-over. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A pilot lost directional control shortly after liftoff on a wet, soft runway with crosswinds, causing the aircraft to drift off the pavement and nose over. No mechanical issues were found.
What happened
The pilot was attempting to initiate takeoff from Runway 36 when conditions included a westerly crosswind. Shortly after the aircraft lifted off the ground, it settled back onto the runway surface, which was described as both soft and wet. The pilot was unable to maintain directional control during this phase. Consequently, the airplane drifted off the east side of the runway and nosed over.
The investigation
An examination of the aircraft was conducted to determine if mechanical failure contributed to the incident. No preaccident mechanical anomalies with the airplane were claimed by the pilot or discovered by investigators.
Probable cause
The pilot's inability to maintain directional control during takeoff on a soft, wet runway with crosswinds, resulting in a departure from the runway surface and nose-over.
What happened in the 30 Apr 1993 Maule M5 accident near Green Bay, WI?
A pilot lost directional control shortly after liftoff on a wet, soft runway with crosswinds, causing the aircraft to drift off the pavement and nose over. No mechanical issues were found.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 30 Apr 1993 involved a Maule M5, registration N5644D, operated by Sperber, Eugene J., Jr., at Green Bay, WI.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot's inability to maintain directional control during takeoff on a soft, wet runway with crosswinds, resulting in a departure from the runway surface and nose-over.
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