The pilot’s decision to continue the taxi without visual reference to the surface, due to his vision being impaired by darkness and glare, which resulted in the airplane’s departure from the paved surface and impact with a ditch. Contributing was the flight instructor’s inadequate monitoring of the pilot.
NTSB
Fuel starvation, low altitude lead to crash
The total loss of engine power due to the pilot’s improper fuel management, which led to fuel starvation. Contributing to the accident was the low altitude at which the loss of engine power occurred.
Attempted takeoff in wet sand bends Maule
The pilot’s decision to depart from an area of wet sand, which resulted in a nose over during the attempted takeoff.
Microburst ends training flight
The airplane’s encounter with a microburst during initial climb that resulted in a loss of altitude and subsequent collision with a tree.
High winds bring down Piper
The pilot’s decision to depart during high, gusty wind conditions which resulted sink and subsequent impact with terrain.
Brothers crash while intentionally flying low
The pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from rising terrain while intentionally maneuvering the airplane at low altitudes, which resulted in substantial damage to the fuselage and both wings.
Post-maintenance flight goes awry
The loss of lateral/bank control during takeoff due to the pilot’s decision to operate the airplane with a known fuel imbalance.
Human Factors: Cool as a cucumber
In his well-written and detailed accounting of the accident to the NTSB, it’s clear the pilot was still completely stumped about what caused his engine issues. Carb ice simply doesn’t enter his mind as a possibility.
Mechanic’s error fatal for two
The mechanic’s failure to install the required gasket on the vacuum pump drive pad in accordance with the maintenance manual, which resulted in oil exhaustion and the subsequent loss of engine power. Contributing to the accident was the Director of Maintenance’s failure to verify the installation of the vacuum pump gasket before returning the airplane to service.