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WPR21LA051

2020-11-12 · Moab, Utah, United States · Minor · 1 aircraft · Status: Completed

Current FAA registration · N721P

Make / Model
MAULE MX-7-180AC
Year of manufacture
2004 · 16 years old at event
Engine
LYCOMING O-360 SERIES (180 hp)
Seats / Engines
4 seats · 1 engine
Last airworthiness date
20040325
ADS-B equipped
Yes — Mode-S A9A888

Source: FAA Aircraft Registry (releasable master file).

Aircraft involved

Probable cause & findings

The pilot's failure to maintain airplane control during takeoff from an unimproved airstrip, which resulted in a nose-over.

Factual narrative

The pilot of the tailwheel equipped airplane reported that he was departing to the north from an unimproved, backcountry airstrip with a light tailwind. During the takeoff ground roll, the tail rose and the airplane subsequently nosed over and impacted terrain. The right-wing lift struts and rudder sustained substantial damage. The pilot reported that there was no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database Retrieved: 2026-02-12

NTSB Findings

FAA avdata. C = Cause, F = Factor.

  • — Aircraft-Aircraft oper/perf/capability-Performance/control parameters-Pitch control-Not attained/maintained
  • — Personnel issues-Task performance-Use of equip/info-Aircraft control-Pilot
  • — Environmental issues-Physical environment-Terrain-Rough terrain-Contributed to outcome

Verbatim from NTSB's published report. Source file NTSB_2020_WPR21LA051.txt. Findings + structured fields enriched from FAA avall.mdb. Full investigation docket on data.ntsb.gov ↗.

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