On February 20, 2007, a Maule M-7-235B (registration N39KB) was involved in an aviation accident near Prescott, AZ. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's inadequate preflight inspection, and his failure to maintain sufficient airspeed to avoid a stall/mush during an aborted takeoff, which resulted in a loss of control, and an in-flight collision with terrain. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
The pilot aborted takeoff after feeling the airplane was not right during initial climb. During the subsequent landing attempt, the airplane stalled and landed hard, collapsing the right main landing gear. Post-accident examination revealed snow covering most of the wing.
Accident Overview
The pilot of an airplane initiated a takeoff but decided to abort during the initial climb after the airplane did not feel right. The pilot pulled the throttle off to abort the takeoff and attempted to land.
Landing and Damage
During the landing attempt, the airplane stalled and landed hard. The impact collapsed the right main landing gear.
Post-Accident Examination
Airport management personnel examined the airplane immediately after the accident. They found that approximately 2/3 of the upper surface of the wing was covered with about 1/2 inch of wet snow, including the vortex generators.
Pilot Statement
The pilot stated that during the preflight inspection, he had only cleared some of the snow from around the vortex generators.
What happened in the 20 Feb 2007 Maule M-7-235B accident near Prescott, AZ?
The pilot aborted takeoff after feeling the airplane was not right during initial climb. During the subsequent landing attempt, the airplane stalled and landed hard, collapsing the right main landing gear. Post-accident examination revealed snow covering most of the wing.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 20 Feb 2007 involved a Maule M-7-235B, registration N39KB, at Prescott, AZ.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot's inadequate preflight inspection, and his failure to maintain sufficient airspeed to avoid a stall/mush during an aborted takeoff, which resulted in a loss of control, and an in-flight collision with terrain. Factors associated with the accident are snow, wing contamination (snow), and an inadvertent stall.
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