On April 23, 2006, a Maule M-5-210C (registration N62015) was involved in an aviation accident near Linville, VA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's improper decision to depart with a tailwind. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
The pilot of an airplane aborted a takeoff from a 900-foot grass runway after forgetting to set flaps, overrunning the runway and impacting trees.
Accident Sequence
The pilot conducted a preflight inspection, taxi, and run-up without noting any abnormalities with the airplane. The pilot preferred to depart to the northeast because obstructions were located at the southwest end of the 900-foot long grass runway, despite a tailwind. During the takeoff roll, the pilot typically set the flaps to 10 degrees, but on this occasion he forgot to set them. The downwind takeoff roll extended beyond the normal liftoff point. At approximately 650 feet down the runway and at an indicated airspeed of about 40 mph, the pilot decided to abort the takeoff. The airplane subsequently overran the end of the runway and impacted trees.
Pilot Report
Following the accident, the pilot reported that the tailwind may have been stronger than he anticipated.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 23 Apr 2006 Maule M-5-210C accident near Linville, VA?
The pilot of an airplane aborted a takeoff from a 900-foot grass runway after forgetting to set flaps, overrunning the runway and impacting trees.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 23 Apr 2006 involved a Maule M-5-210C, registration N62015, at Linville, VA.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot's improper decision to depart with a tailwind.
A SkyWalk Join't 3 paraglider crashed into the ground near Las Vizcachas, Chile, on September 1, 2024. The pilot and passenger sustained serious spinal…
PARAPENTE (ULTRALIVIANO NO MOTORIZADO)·2024-09-01DGAC Chile
A Cessna 172N struck electrical cables while on final approach to land at Aucó Aerodrome in Chile. The pilot was uninjured, but the aircraft sustained damage…
A Bombardier DHC-8-402 suffered a tail strike during landing at Puerto Williams on September 9, 2024. All 76 occupants were unharmed, but the aircraft…
A MYD JS-MD 3 glider veered off the runway and struck a wall at Vitacura Aerodrome on January 6, 2025. The pilot was uninjured, but the aircraft sustained…
A recreational paraglider flight in Puchuncaví, Chile, ended with the pilot sustaining serious injuries after a rapid descent and impact with a hillside on…
PARAPENTE (ULTRALIVIANO NO MOTORIZADO)·2025-03-29DGAC Chile
A Tecnam P2006T landed on its belly at an aerodrome in Poland after the crew failed to confirm landing gear deployment. The incident resulted in no injuries…