Accident Maule MX-7-160 Sportplane N888WF, Tuesday 23 May 2017

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Date:	Tuesday 23 May 2017
Time:	17:20
Type:	Maule MX-7-160 Sportplane
Owner/operator:	Private
Registration:	N888WF
MSN:	19024C
Year of manufacture:	1994
Total airframe hrs:	615 hours
Engine model:	Lycoming O-320-B2D
Fatalities:	Fatalities: 0 / Occupants: 1
Other fatalities:	0
Aircraft damage:	Substantial
Category:	Accident
Location:	Sidney, ME - United States of America
Phase:	Take off
Nature:	Private
Departure airport:	Sidney, ME (PVT)
Destination airport:	,
Investigating agency:	NTSB
Confidence Rating:	Accident investigation report completed and information captured

Narrative:
The pilot of a tailwheel-equipped airplane reported that, during takeoff from a grass airstrip, he applied full power, and the airplane veered to the left “more than normal,” and he “was late” to correct with right rudder. The airplane impacted a tree, the left wing separated, and the airplane came to rest on its left side.
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing.
The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

Probable Cause: The pilot’s delayed application of rudder and failure to maintain directional control during takeoff.

Accident investigation: