MAULE M7
Palouse, WA — December 31, 2016
Event Information
| Date | December 31, 2016 |
| Event Type | ACC |
| NTSB Number | GAA17CA106 |
| Event ID | 20170104X40138 |
| Location | Palouse, WA |
| Country | USA |
| Coordinates | 46.88445, -117.07750 |
| Airport | SCHOEPFLIN |
| Highest Injury | MINR |
Aircraft
| Make | MAULE |
| Model | M7 |
| Category | AIR |
| FAR Part | 091 |
| Aircraft Damage | SUBS |
Conditions
| Light Condition | DAYL |
| Weather | VMC |
Injuries
| Fatal | 0 |
| Serious | 0 |
| Minor | 1 |
| None | 0 |
| Total Injured | 1 |
Event Location
Probable Cause
The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control on an ice- and snow-covered runway during taxi with a crosswind, which resulted in a runway excursion.
Full Narrative
The pilot of the tailwheel-equipped airplane reported that during a "medium speed taxi" on a runway in crosswind conditions the airplane taxied over ice and drifted to the right. The pilot further reported that he corrected to the left, reduced throttle power, and the airplane taxied onto packed snow, "regaining lateral traction". The pilot attempted to correct with right rudder, but the airplane continued to veer to the left, exited the runway, and came to rest inverted.
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing and left wing lift struts.
The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airframe or engine 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.