MAULE MX 7-235
San Ynez, CA — November 11, 2013
Event Information
| Date | November 11, 2013 |
| Event Type | ACC |
| NTSB Number | WPR14CA048 |
| Event ID | 20131113X45612 |
| Location | San Ynez, CA |
| Country | USA |
| Coordinates | 34.63778, -119.61750 |
| Highest Injury | NONE |
Aircraft
| Make | MAULE |
| Model | MX 7-235 |
| Category | AIR |
| FAR Part | 091 |
| Aircraft Damage | SUBS |
Conditions
| Light Condition | DAYL |
| Weather | VMC |
Injuries
| Fatal | 0 |
| Serious | 0 |
| Minor | 0 |
| None | 1 |
| Total Injured | 0 |
Event Location
Probable Cause
The pilot's failure to maintain terrain clearance while maneuvering at low altitude in hilly terrain.
Full Narrative
The pilot reported that he departed from a remote private air strip and proceeded along a geological drainage ravine for 3 miles, then turned up a side canyon into rising terrain. As the airplane approached a saddle in the terrain the pilot spotted 2 black bears. The pilot entered a descent and executed a right turn to orbit the bears. After a 360-degree turn he realized that the airplane had descended too low and was approaching rising terrain. The airplane's slow airspeed and angle of bank did not allow for recovery and the airplane subsequently collided with the terrain and nosed over. The wings and fuselage were substantially damaged.
The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures of the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
About This NTSB Record
This aviation event was investigated by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). NTSB investigates all U.S. civil aviation accidents to determine probable cause and issue safety recommendations to prevent future accidents.