Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control while on final approach with shifting wind conditions.
NTSB analysis
The pilot stated that when on short final the airplane encountered a sudden downdraft or slight wind shear, which caused the left wing to dip and contact the ground. Following the wing tip dip the airplane yawed left and the main landing gear touched down and collapsed. The resulting damage to the airplane was the right wing tip, left wing, left wing lift strut, and right main landing gear. The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR15CA006 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Oct 8, 2014
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Big Creek, Idaho
- Nearest airport
- Dewey Moore (None)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Maule MX 7-235
- N-number
- N11ZA
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1985
- 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.