August 7, 2011, Warrenton, Va., Maule M-7-235

The float-equipped airplane was substantially damaged at about 1350 Eastern time when it impacted the ground during approach. The commercial pilot and passenger were fatally injured.

Gemini Sparkle

Key Takeaways:

  • A float-equipped airplane crashed during approach, fatally injuring the commercial pilot and passenger.
  • The accident occurred when the airplane overbanked significantly (to approximately 75 degrees) and pitched nose-down to an almost-vertical attitude while turning from base leg to final approach.
  • The aircraft impacted the ground prior to the runway threshold, resulting in substantial damage and a post-impact fire that consumed most of the airplane.
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The float-equipped airplane was substantially damaged at about 1350 Eastern time when it impacted the ground during approach. The commercial pilot and passenger were fatally injured. The airplane came to rest upright and a post-impact fire ensued, consuming the airplane except for a portion of the left wing and the two amphibious floats. Visual conditions prevailed.

The airplane owner observed it enter the traffic pattern and turn from the base leg to final. During the turn, the airplane appeared to continue to bank to approximately 75 degrees, at which point the nose pitched over to an almost-vertical attitude. The airplane impacted the ground in an open field prior to the runway threshold and exploded.

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