Probable cause
The pilot’s exceedance of the airplane’s critical angle of attack on climbout, which resulted in a loss of control and impact with trees.
NTSB analysis
The pilot performed a low pass over a highway. During climbout, the pilot maintained an excessive angle of attack and the airplane veered left and impacted trees. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left elevator. The pilot reported there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ANC23LA048 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jul 1, 2023
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Prospect Creek, Alaska
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Maule M-4-210C
- N-number
- N40661
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1973
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Personal
Other records under this N-number
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.