On September 11, 2006, a Maule M-4-180V (registration N786ST) was involved in an aviation accident near Lewistown, MT. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to see and avoid a coyote hole during the takeoff roll and landing. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A pilot taxied the full runway length before takeoff but failed to notice a coyote hole, resulting in hard impact upon landing and structural damage.
What happened
The pilot reported taxiing the entire length of the runway prior to initiating takeoff. During this maneuver, he failed to observe a coyote hole located on the pavement surface. Upon completing the takeoff roll and subsequent landing, the aircraft struck the depression with significant force immediately after touchdown.
Following the impact, the pilot executed a go-around procedure. He subsequently landed the aircraft safely and taxied it to a hangar without further incident. A post-impact inspection of the airframe revealed wrinkled skin beneath the left door panel. Further examination required the removal of interior seats, which exposed that the carry-thru structure was bent.
The investigation
A physical inspection of the aircraft was conducted after the event. Investigators examined the area around the left door and the internal structural components. The removal of seating allowed for a clear view of the carry-thru structure, confirming deformation consistent with the reported impact.
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to see and avoid a coyote hole during the takeoff roll and landing.