Probable cause
The pilot's decision to depart from an area of wet sand, which resulted in a nose over during the attempted takeoff.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that, while attempting to depart from a lakeside beach, the tailwheel-equipped airplane encountered an unexpected wind gust during the ground roll. The airplane crossed over a water channel and the main landing gear sank into wet sand. The airplane then nosed-over into the lake, resulting in substantial damage to the wings and tail. The pilot reported that there were no preaccidcent mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA23LA012 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Oct 9, 2022
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Northville, New York
- Highest injury
- Minor
- Minor injuries
- 1
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Maule MX-7-160
- N-number
- N41510
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1999
- 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.