Maule M-4 vs Maule M-5
The Maule M-4 and M-5 are early and classic Maule STOL taildraggers — the M-4 (Rocket/Jetasen) is the original short-field four-seater; the M-5 (Lunar Rocket) is the more refined development with bigger control surfaces and better short-field manners.
Safety Record
Absolute counts scale with fleet size — the most-produced types log more events without being less safe. Compare the % fatal.
| NTSB (1982–now) | Maule M-4 | Maule M-5 |
|---|---|---|
| All events | 91 | 165 |
| Serious | 2 | 10 |
| Fatal | 6 | 26 |
| Fatalities | 7 | 45 |
| % Fatal | 7% | 16% |
Full Specs Comparison
| Spec / Model | Maule M-4 | Maule M-5 |
|---|---|---|
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| Price Range | — | — |
| Category | — | — |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Cruise Speed | 160 kts (296 km/h) | 140 kts (259 km/h) |
| Range | 590 nm (1,093 km) | 480 nm (889 km) |
| Max Gross Weight | 2,300 lbs (1,043 kg) | 2,300 lbs (1,043 kg) |
Which Should You Buy: Maule M-4 or Maule M-5?
Bottom line: Choose the M-5 for better short-field handling and a more refined airframe. Choose the M-4 only as the lowest-cost entry into a Maule STOL four-seater, with a careful pre-buy of the older airframe and fabric. ================================================================ # CROSS-REFS ================================================================ - Cessna/Aviat/American Champion/CubCrafters mirrors in those files. M-5/M-4 = earlier Maule STOL variants.
Pick the M-4 if…
- Faster cruise — 160 kts vs 140 kts.
- Longer range — 590 nm vs 480 nm.
Pick the M-5 if…
Auto-generated from current market data and published specs. Confirm with a pre-buy inspection and professional appraisal.