Accident Overview
On September 13, 2025, at approximately 12:28 Alaska daylight time, a Maule M5-235C airplane, registration N343GA, was substantially damaged during an accident near Point McKenzie, Alaska. The commercial pilot, who was the sole occupant, sustained serious injuries. The flight was conducted under Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a personal flight.
Flight and Pilot Account
The aircraft had departed Merrill Field (MRI) in Anchorage, Alaska, around 12:20, en route to a private airstrip near Point McKenzie. According to the pilot, the plan was to land to the south. While on the downwind leg of the traffic pattern, the airplane was flying at about 80 knots with one notch of flaps extended. As the pilot maneuvered onto the base leg at an altitude of approximately 300–400 feet above ground level (agl), he reduced speed to about 65 knots and selected the second notch of flaps. Immediately afterward, the airplane rolled to the left. The pilot attempted to recover control, but the aircraft impacted the ground and came to rest on a northerly heading.
Wreckage and Examination
The wreckage has been recovered. A postaccident examination of the airframe and systems is pending, and no further details regarding the mechanical condition of the aircraft are available at this time.