Accident Details
On March 3, 2009, about 1020 Pacific standard time, a Maule M-5, registration N9166E, experienced a rough running engine while maneuvering. The commercial pilot, who was also the registered owner and operator, initiated a precautionary landing to an open field located three miles west of Calexico, California. The pilot and a passenger were not injured. The airplane was being operated as a visual flight rules (VFR) aerial observation flight under 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed. The local flight had departed Calexico approximately 20 minutes prior to the accident.
Accident Sequence
According to a telephone conversation between the pilot and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) investigator-in-charge, about 20 minutes after takeoff, while maneuvering, the airplane developed a rough running engine. The pilot elected to perform a precautionary landing to a nearby field. During the landing roll, the airplane encountered soft, uneven terrain and nosed over.
Damage
Examination of the airplane by the pilot revealed that the vertical stabilizer and rudder were structurally damaged. The airplane sustained substantial damage.
Post-Accident Examination
The pilot conducted a post-accident examination of the engine and airframe, which revealed no indication as to the basis of the rough running engine. Subsequent to the examination, the pilot began repairs on the engine and airframe. The engine and airframe were not examined by the National Transportation Safety Board.