Maule M-4-210C accident near Staunton, VA
On September 18, 1993, a Maule M-4-210C (airplane) was involved in an accident near Staunton, VA. 1 person died. Damage to the aircraft: destroyed.
- Date
- September 18, 1993
- Place
- Staunton, VA
- Aircraft
- Maule M-4-210C · Airplane
- Injuries
- 1 fatal, 0 serious, 0 minor
- Damage
- Destroyed
- Position
- 38.149°N, 79.061°W
- NTSB ID
- 20001211X13321
NTSB summary
HISTORY OF FLIGHT On Saturday, September 18, 1993, at 1402 eastern daylight time, N2026U, a Maule M-4-210C, operated by Ridge and Valley Soaring of Roanoke, Virginia, and piloted by Everett Coffey of Buchanan, Virginia, collided with an embankment after taking off with a glider in tow near Staunton, Virginia. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and a flight plan was not filed. The certificated private pilot, the sole occupant, was fatally injured. The personal flight was conducted under 14 CFR 91 and originated in Springwood, Virginia. The destination was Waynesboro, Virginia. According to the glider pilot, the flight was en route to Waynesboro to participate in activities the following day. He stated that before reaching their destination, the tow airplane made a sudden descending right turn that resulted in an off field landing for the glider. Radio contact was established with the tow pilot who made a low pass and landed successfully. The pilots inspected the field that was about 1200 feet long with an unmowed downslope, and a tailwind. The glider pilot reported that due to the length of the field and to lessen the weight, the tow airplane was reconnected with only one person in the two place glider. He stated that the takeoff appeared normal, and the glider became airborne in about 300 feet. The tow airplane used up the entire length of the field, and continued down the slope. The glider pilot stated that his speed was approaching 75 mph and he was concerned about why the tow airplane was not climbing. He stated that the airplane appeared to level off and was hea
Probable cause
INADEQUATE PREFLIGHT BY THE PILOT WHICH RESULTED IN INADEQUATE ALTITUDE TO CLEAR THE EMBANKMENT DURING THE INITIAL CLIMB. FACTORS IN THIS ACCIDENT WERE A TAILWIND ON TAKEOFF AND RISING TERRAIN AT THE DEPARTURE END OF THE GRASS AIRSTRIP.
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Browse: Virginia · Maule aircraft
Source: NTSB aviation accident database (US government, public domain). Findings may be preliminary or later revised by the NTSB. Not a complete global record.
