On May 3, 1997, a Maule M-5 (registration N290X) was involved in an aviation accident near West Fargo, ND. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the pilot's inadequate compensation for wind conditions, and his failure to attain a proper touchdown point. Factors relating to the accident were: the unfavorable wind conditions, and the terrain condition where the airplane touched down. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A pilot attempting to land on a flooded airport taxiway touched down in water, contacted the taxiway edge, and nosed over. The airport was largely submerged except for a short section of taxiway.
Accident Details
The pilot of a small airplane was returning the aircraft to its home airport after moving it due to flooding. At the time of the accident, the majority of the airport remained underwater. Only a 600- to 700-foot section of taxiway in front of the T-hangars was above water, and the pilot was attempting to land on that section.
Pilot Statement
According to the pilot, he lost a headwind when he descended below the height of the hangars. The airplane subsequently touched down short of the intended landing area, in two to three feet of water. After contacting the water, the airplane struck the edge of the taxiway and nosed over.
Conditions
The airport was experiencing widespread flooding, with only a limited portion of the taxiway available for landing. The depth of the water where the airplane first touched down was reported as two to three feet.