On July 23, 1998, a Maule M-5-235C (registration N5643V) was involved in an aviation accident near Newburg, ME. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain directional control. Related factors were the long, wet, unmowed grass runway. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
During takeoff on runway 36, the airplane veered left, struck trees. Pilot reported wind drift and low thrust, but no mechanical malfunction. Ground scars indicated tailwheel and main gear marks on grass.
Accident Details
During the takeoff ground roll on runway 36, the airplane veered off the left side of the runway and collided with trees. An FAA Inspector examined the accident site and observed deep ground scars similar to the tailwheel on the grass strip in the run-up area. Additionally, there were ground scars resembling the main landing gear on the wet, tall, unmowed grass strip for approximately 800 feet where the airplane accelerated on the runway. The ground scars then veered off to the left near the trees.
Pilot Statement
The pilot reported that he ruled out any on-ground directional correction, stating that "the wind caused a further drift to the left of 36 and put the aircraft in a direct path to the tree line. It was my intention to climb over the trees. Though the engine sounds indicated no anomalies, it just didn't seem to be delivering normal thrust. I came to the conclusion that clearing the trees would not be an option. I therefore opted for a controlled crash into the trees." The pilot also stated that there was no mechanical malfunction with the airplane.