On 13 May 2012, a MAULE M-4-220C was involved in an aviation accident near Sterling, AK. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The accident was caused by the pilot's failure to use a preflight checklist, which led to the fuel selector valve being left in the incorrect position and subsequent engine power loss due to fuel starvation. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 11 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
A Maule M-4-220C experienced engine failure during its initial climb, resulting in an impact with terrain.
On May 13, 2012, a MAULE M-4-220C, registration N615SD, was performing an initial climb when the engine lost power. The aircraft subsequently impacted the terrain in Sterling, Alaska. The impact caused substantial damage to both wings. There were no injuries resulting from the accident.
The pilot did not utilize a preflight checklist prior to departure. As a result of this omission, the fuel selector valve was not moved to the "ON" position, leading to the engine failure.
The accident was caused by the pilot's failure to use a preflight checklist, which led to the fuel selector valve being left in the incorrect position and subsequent engine power loss due to fuel starvation.