NTSB Factual Report

On June 6, 1998, approximately 1000 Pacific daylight time, a Maule M-5-220C, N16CB, was destroyed when it impacted Lake Roosevelt, near Kettle Falls, Washington, while maneuvering. The commercial pilot and his passenger were fatally injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident. There was no fire, and no report of an ELT actuation.

Witnesses described the airplane performing maneuvers that were described as aerobatic prior to impact about 35 degrees nose down, and provided a photograph taken shortly before the accident of the airplane in an inverted attitude. This airplane is not approved for aerobatic maneuvers. The fuselage, engine and propeller, and one wing were recovered from 90 feet of water for inspection by FAA inspectors. Records indicated that this airplane had recently had structural repairs to the steel tubing structure. Those areas, as well as the rest of the structure and wing and wing-strut attachment points, were inspected by FAA inspectors and an NTSB investigator. No evidence was found of pre-impact structural failure of the airplane.

The pilot was in the area assisting on an archeological study and was reported to have completed a photo mission preceding the accident. Witnesses in the area were part of the archeological team.

Toxicological testing by the FAA showed negative results for carbon monoxide, cyanide, ethanol, and drugs. An autopsy was performed by Jerry LeBret, Colville, Washington, deputy coroner and a certificate of death signed June 11, 1998.

The recovered wreckage was moved to a salvage yard in Deer Park, Washington.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's failure to maintain terrain clearance. A factor was an attempt to perform aerobatics at low altitude.