On April 26, 2001, a Maule M-7-235 (registration N126DP) was involved in an aviation accident near Summer Lake, OR. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to determine the firmness of the terrain prior to landing, which resulted in the aircraft sinking and nosing over. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A pilot attempted an off-airport landing on a soft, former lakebed without checking ground conditions. The aircraft sank into the terrain and nosed over upon deceleration.
What happened
The pilot decided to conduct an off-field landing in a location that had previously contained a lake when water levels were higher. Utilizing soft-field landing techniques, the initial touchdown proceeded without incident. However, as the aircraft continued to slow down, it began to sink into the soft terrain, resulting in a nose-over.
The investigation
The investigation revealed that the pilot had not taken any action to assess the firmness of the terrain before attempting the landing. This lack of preparation contributed directly to the aircraft becoming embedded in the soft ground.
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to determine the firmness of the terrain prior to landing, which resulted in the aircraft sinking and nosing over.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 26 Apr 2001 Maule M-7-235 accident near Summer Lake, OR?
A pilot attempted an off-airport landing on a soft, former lakebed without checking ground conditions. The aircraft sank into the terrain and nosed over upon deceleration.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 26 Apr 2001 involved a Maule M-7-235, registration N126DP, at Summer Lake, OR.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot's failure to determine the firmness of the terrain prior to landing, which resulted in the aircraft sinking and nosing over.
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