No fatalities

Pilot Reports Landing Bounce and Subsequent Nose-Over (N8070)

Moses Lake, WA, US

On June 28, 2003, a Maule M-5-235C (registration N8070) was involved in an aviation accident near Moses Lake, WA. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: An improper flare which resulted in a bounced landing during landing. The pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control and soft terrain were factors which eventually led to the aircraft nosing over. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

After a bounced landing, a pilot added power but felt a wind gust push the aircraft into soft sand. With carburetor heat on, full power was unavailable; turning it off resulted in power loss, and the aircraft nosed over.

Narrative

According to the pilot's report, after touchdown the aircraft bounced. The pilot added power to prevent another bounce. The pilot then felt that a gust of wind pushed the aircraft to the right side of the runway into the soft sand. At that point, the pilot realized that he could not obtain full power because the carburetor heat was engaged. The pilot turned off the carburetor heat, and reported that "the plane lost power." The pilot pulled back on the control yoke, and the airplane subsequently nosed over and came to rest inverted.

Weather

The nearest weather reporting facility, located five nautical miles northwest of the accident airport, reported winds from 70 degrees at eight knots. The pilot was landing on runway 34.

Aircraft Condition

The pilot reported no mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane at the time of the accident.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 28 Jun 2003 Maule M-5-235C accident near Moses Lake, WA?

After a bounced landing, a pilot added power but felt a wind gust push the aircraft into soft sand. With carburetor heat on, full power was unavailable; turning it off resulted in power loss, and the aircraft nosed over.

Were there any fatalities in the 28 Jun 2003 Maule M-5-235C accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 28 Jun 2003 involved a Maule M-5-235C, registration N8070, at Moses Lake, WA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

An improper flare which resulted in a bounced landing during landing. The pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control and soft terrain were factors which eventually led to the aircraft nosing over.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20030701X00994. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.