Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot in command's improper taxi speed. A factor in the accident was the rough water.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
During the step taxi the flight encountered rough water and the airplane nosed over.
Source record
Factual narrative
On July 2, 1993, at 1000 Alaska daylight time, a float equipped Maule M4 airplane, N9872M, registered to and operated by the pilot in command, nosed over while taxiing on Char Lake, approximately 20 miles southwest of Iliamna, Alaska. The private certificated pilot and one passenger, the sole occupants, were not injured and the airplane sustained substantial damage. The personal flight, operating under 14 CFR Part 91, last departed Port Alsworth and the destination was Char Lake. No flight plan was filed and visual meteorological conditions prevailed. During a telephone interview, the pilot in command told the NTSB investigator in charge that he was performing a downwind taxi when the left float tucked beneath the water causing the airplane to roll inverted. -