MAULE M-5-235C

Full Narrative

On February 14, 2010, at 1600 central standard time, N56347, a Maule M-5-235C, 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/registered owner, and sole occupant, was not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed for the local flight that was conducted under 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91.

According to the pilot, he departed on a local flight at 1550 and flew over the bay, which was about 2 miles away from the airport. Upon his return, the engine started to lose power and he was unable to make the runway. The airplane landed on soft/wet grass short of Runway 12 and subsequently flipped over. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the wing struts on both wings.

The engine was test run on March 29, 2010, under the supervision of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The run was conducted using the airplane's existing fuel system. The engine started and ran through its entire powerband without hesitation. A functional test of the carburetor heat and both magnetos were normal, and all engine gauges indicated normal readings. No mechanical deficiencies were noted with the engine or the fuel system.

Weather at Ellington Field (EFD), about 7 miles southwest of the accident site, at 1550, was reported as wind from 250 degrees at 8 knots, visibility 10 statute miles, clouds broken at 2,500 feet and 5,500 feet, temperature 20 degrees Celsius, dewpoint 10 degrees Celsius, and a barometric pressure setting 29.94 inches of Mercury.