Probable cause
The pilot’s failure to ensure that the runway was clear of any obstacles before departure, which resulted in the airplane impacting a snowdrift.
NTSB analysis
The pilot of the tailwheel-equipped airplane reported that, during takeoff from a remote airstrip, the airplane impacted a snowdrift and was "launched" into the air. Subsequently, he heard something break. He added that the airplane appeared to be fine with no indications of a problem other than the left tire "looked a little off." The pilot returned to his original departure airport without further incident.
During a postaccident examination, his mechanic discovered that the tubing in the bottom of the fuselage where the oleo strut attached to the main landing gear was broken.
The pilot reported no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
As a safety recommendation, the pilot added that walking the runway before takeoff might have revealed the snowdrift.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for GAA17CA101 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Dec 15, 2016
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Willow, Alaska
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Maule MX 7
- N-number
- N56681
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1987
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 135 (charter and commuter)
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.