2 fatal · Maule M4-210C · 2000-06-16 · WILLOWS, CA, USA
Event
NTSB number
LAX00FA230
Event ID
20001212X21254
Type
Accident
Date
2000-06-16
Location
WILLOWS, CA, USA
Coordinates
39.50024, -122.279907
Injuries
Highest injury
FATL
Fatal
2
Serious
0
Minor
0
Uninjured
0
Total aboard
2
Aircraft
Make
Maule
Model
M4-210C
Registration
N377BC
FAR Part
091
Engines
1
Damage
DEST
Conditions
Light
DAYL
Weather
VMC
Probable cause
Failure of the pilot to maintain an adequate airspeed margin while maneuvering in steep turns at low altitude in gusty and strong tailwind conditions, which lead to a wind shear encounter and a stall/spin. A contributing factor in the accident was the pilot's diverted attention due to looking at antelope on the ground, and, his decision to attempt the steep turns at low altitude.