Maule M-5 Safety Record

Complete NTSB accident and incident history. 165 events recorded from 1982 to 2026.

165

All Events

115

Incidents

14

Minor

10

Serious

26

Fatal (45 fatalities)

Date Location Reg# Severity Damage Probable Cause
Mar 31, 2002 Bennington, VT N711JR Serious (1) substantial The pilot's failure to maintain directional control while landing. A factor in this accident was the crosswind condition.
Jan 13, 2002 Grand Junction, CO N382X Incident substantial
the failure of the tail wheel left steering cable. A contributing factor was the pilot's loss of aircraft control (not possible) and the subsequent i…

the failure of the tail wheel left steering cable. A contributing factor was the pilot's loss of aircraft control (not possible) and the subsequent inadvertent ground loop.

Jul 22, 2001 HOUGHTON LAKE, MI N56646 Incident substantial The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the takeoff run. A factor relating to this accident was the trees.
Jul 15, 2001 Bettles, AK N9237E Fatal (4) substantial The pilot's inadvertent stall of the airplane during an unknown phase of flight.
Jul 06, 2001 Big Creek, ID N349X Incident substantial The pilot's failure to adequately compensate for the wind conditions during the landing roll. High and gusting winds were factors.
May 25, 2001 West Jordan, UT N9181E Incident substantial
the pilot inadvertently flaring the airplane too high above the ground, resulting in a hard landing that sheared a bolt in the tail wheel assembly. Th…

the pilot inadvertently flaring the airplane too high above the ground, resulting in a hard landing that sheared a bolt in the tail wheel assembly. This rendered directional control impossible and induced an uncontrolled ground loop. A contributing factor was the crosswind.

Dec 16, 2000 KING SALMON, AK N5644N Incident substantial
The loss of engine power during the landing approach due to the pilot's inadequate preflight of the airplane and contamination (water) in the carburet…

The loss of engine power during the landing approach due to the pilot's inadequate preflight of the airplane and contamination (water) in the carburetor.

Oct 02, 2000 LEICESTER, MA N5638D Serious (1) substantial
The pilot's failure to properly manage the fuel onboard the airplane, which resulted in fuel starvation, and a total loss of engine power. A factor i…

The pilot's failure to properly manage the fuel onboard the airplane, which resulted in fuel starvation, and a total loss of engine power. A factor in the accident was the pilot's failure to maintain airspeed while maneuvering for a field.

Aug 13, 2000 PAULINA, OR N6269M Minor substantial
The pilot's failure to maintain an airspeed above stalling speed (Vs), which resulted in a stall/mush into the terrain. Factors include mountainous/hi…

The pilot's failure to maintain an airspeed above stalling speed (Vs), which resulted in a stall/mush into the terrain. Factors include mountainous/hilly terrain, tall trees, a high density altitude, and the pilot's diverted attention as he attempted to keep a herd of deer in sight while maneuvering.

Apr 16, 2000 BABB, MT N284X Fatal (1) destroyed Terrain clearance was not maintained. High mountains, mountain obscuration, and the pilot's inadequate preflight planning/preparation were factors.
Oct 21, 1999 LAUREL, MT N6147M Incident substantial The pilot's inadequate compensation for wind conditions. Factors include a dust devil/whirlwind at the location where the pilot was trying to land.
Jul 26, 1999 ST.SIMONS, GA N5643T Incident substantial
The inadequate installation of the magneto assembly by other maintenance personnel that in resulted the separation from the engine and the subsequent…

The inadequate installation of the magneto assembly by other maintenance personnel that in resulted the separation from the engine and the subsequent loss of engine power. A factor was the swampy terrain condition.

Jun 22, 1999 LAKE ST. JOHN, CA N62041 Fatal (2) substantial Investigation pending
May 22, 1999 SANTA ANA, CA N51641 Incident substantial The pilot's failure to maintain directional control and his excessive use of the rudder to regain runway alignment.
Apr 04, 1999 TALKEETNA, AK N9237E Incident substantial
The pilot's inadequate compensation for the crosswind during landing. Factors associated with this accident were the left crosswind, and the snowbank …

The pilot's inadequate compensation for the crosswind during landing. Factors associated with this accident were the left crosswind, and the snowbank on the edge of the runway.

Nov 28, 1998 INYOKERN, CA N5636M Incident substantial The failure of the pilot to maintain control of the aircraft while landing.
Sep 13, 1998 MIMBRES, NM N9218E Serious (1) substantial The pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control while maneuvering. Factors were a low altitude turn into a crosswind and a high density altitude.
Jul 23, 1998 NEWBURG, ME N5643V Minor substantial The pilot's failure to maintain directional control. Related factors were the long, wet, unmowed grass runway.
Jun 06, 1998 KETTLE FALLS, WA N16CB Fatal (2) destroyed The pilot's failure to maintain terrain clearance. A factor was an attempt to perform aerobatics at low altitude.
May 03, 1997 WEST FARGO, ND N290X Incident substantial
the pilot's inadequate compensation for wind conditions, and his failure to attain a proper touchdown point. Factors relating to the accident were: t…

the pilot's inadequate compensation for wind conditions, and his failure to attain a proper touchdown point. Factors relating to the accident were: the unfavorable wind conditions, and the terrain condition where the airplane touched down.

Feb 21, 1997 JORDAN VALLEY, OR N5652W Incident substantial
failure of the pilot to maintain directional control of the aircraft, while landing. Factors relating to the accident included: the pilot's improper …

failure of the pilot to maintain directional control of the aircraft, while landing. Factors relating to the accident included: the pilot's improper inflight decision to attempt a descent through what appeared to be a hole in the clouds, his inadvertent flight into icing conditions in the clouds, airframe icing, and tall vegetation growing in the vicinity of the runway.

Jan 18, 1997 CHUGIAK, AK N5654N Incident substantial The pilot's failure to attain the proper touchdown point during landing. The snow-covered runway was a factor.
Dec 21, 1996 LEVANT, ME N56391 Incident substantial
the pilot's inadequate compensation for wind conditions, and his failure to maintain clearance from tree(s) during an attempted go-around. The crossw…

the pilot's inadequate compensation for wind conditions, and his failure to maintain clearance from tree(s) during an attempted go-around. The crosswind and proximity of tree(s) were related factors.

May 15, 1996 AKRON, CO N9194E Incident substantial the pilot's failure to maintain directional control.
Apr 21, 1996 GRAYLING, AK N9704N Incident destroyed
disintegration of the alternator drive coupling, jamming of the accessory drive gear, shearing of the oil pump drive, oil starvation, and failure of t…

disintegration of the alternator drive coupling, jamming of the accessory drive gear, shearing of the oil pump drive, oil starvation, and failure of the number 6 cylinder connecting rod. Non-compliance with a manufacturer's service bulletin and soft snow were factors in the accident.

Disclaimer: This data is sourced from the NTSB Aviation Accident Database. NTSB events reflect reported accidents and incidents and do not necessarily indicate a defect in the aircraft type. Many events involve pilot error, weather conditions, maintenance issues, or other factors unrelated to the aircraft design. This information is provided for research purposes only — consult official NTSB reports for complete details.
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Data source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database · About our data