Probable cause
The pilot's failure to use a preflight checklist and subsequent failure to turn on the airplane's fuel supply, which resulted in a loss of engine power due to fuel starvation.
NTSB analysis
The pilot stated that he did not use a preflight checklist, and, as a result, he did not turn the fuel selector valve to the "ON" position. During the initial climb, the engine lost power, and the airplane impacted terrain, sustaining substantial damage to both wings. The pilot said that the accident could have been prevented if he had used a preflight checklist.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ANC12CA047 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- May 13, 2012
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Sterling, Alaska
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Maule M-4-220C
- N-number
- N615SD
- Category
- Airplane
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Personal
From the NTSB aviation accident database: N-registered aircraft, events since 2008, data through Oct 28, 2026. The file is published monthly, so the latest weeks are incomplete and recent records can change. The official source is the NTSB aviation investigation search. CheckAero is independent and not affiliated with the NTSB.