Probable cause
The pilot’s exceedance of the airplane’s performance capabilities in mountainous terrain, which resulted in a forced landing.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that the density altitude was about 11,000 ft mean sea level when he departed and the airplane entered a climb. While approaching mountainous terrain east of the airport, the airplane began descending and the pilot was unable to maintain altitude. The pilot decided that it would be unsafe to turn back to his departure airport and decided to initiate a forced landing in a grass field between trees. The airplane impacted terrain during the landing attempt, which resulted in substantial damage to the wings and empennage.
The pilot reported no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR26LA266 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jul 18, 2026
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Creede, Colorado
- Nearest airport
- Mineral County Meml (C24)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Maule M-4-180V
- N-number
- N489LA
- Category
- Airplane
- 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.