Accident Maule M-7-260C N5515V, Sunday 8 September 2013

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Date:	Sunday 8 September 2013
Time:	06:45 LT
Type:	Maule M-7-260C
Owner/operator:
Registration:	N5515V
MSN:	30023C
Total airframe hrs:	573 hours
Engine model:	Lycoming IO-540 SER
Fatalities:	Fatalities: 0 / Occupants: 1
Other fatalities:	0
Aircraft damage:	Substantial
Category:	Accident
Location:	Nashua, Montana - United States of America
Phase:	Take off
Nature:	Private
Departure airport:	Nashua, MT
Destination airport:	Nashua, MT
Investigating agency:	NTSB
Confidence Rating:	Accident investigation report completed and information captured

Narrative:
The pilot reported that during takeoff from a private dirt airstrip, the airplane collided with a dirt berm and ground looped. The berm was a result of recent work in the area of the airstrip. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage and the right wing. The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

Probable Cause: The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from a berm during the takeoff, which resulted in a loss of directional control.

Accident investigation: