Accident Details
On February 14, 2010, at 1600 central standard time, a Maule M-5-235C aircraft, registration N56347, sustained substantial damage after a loss of engine power while returning to land at La Porte Municipal Airport (T41), La Porte, Texas. The private pilot, who was also the registered owner and the sole occupant, was not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed for the local flight conducted under 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91.
Pilot Report
According to the pilot, he departed on a local flight at 1550 and flew over the bay, approximately 2 miles from the airport. Upon his return, the engine began to lose power, and he was unable to reach the runway. The airplane landed on soft, wet grass short of Runway 12 and subsequently flipped over. The accident resulted in substantial damage to the wing struts on both wings.
Engine Examination
On March 29, 2010, the engine was test-run under the supervision of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The test utilized the airplane's existing fuel system. The engine started and operated through its entire powerband without hesitation. A functional test of the carburetor heat and both magnetos was normal, and all engine gauges indicated normal readings. No mechanical deficiencies were noted with the engine or the fuel system.
Weather Conditions
Weather reported at Ellington Field (EFD), approximately 7 miles southwest of the accident site, at 1550 included wind from 250 degrees at 8 knots, visibility 10 statute miles, broken clouds at 2,500 feet and 5,500 feet, temperature 20 degrees Celsius, dewpoint 10 degrees Celsius, and a barometric pressure setting of 29.94 inches of Mercury.