Probable cause
The pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from a ditch, which resulted in impact with terrain.
NTSB analysis
The pilot of the tailwheel-equipped airplane reported that, after landing, and during taxi to the end of the runway to turn around to park, he did not see a deep steep ditch at the end of the runway. The airplane traveled into the ditch as the pilot applied full right rudder and full right brake in an attempt to turn, however, the airplane continued to slide into the ditch where the left-wing impact terrain.
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing.
The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR21LA229 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jun 2, 2021
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Cascade, Idaho
- Nearest airport
- Mahoney Creek Usfs (0U3)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Maule M-4
- N-number
- N4718T
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1964
- 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.