The 1976 Maule M-5 235C is a rugged American tailwheel utility aircraft built for pilots who value short-field performance, dependable hauling capability, and true backcountry versatility. Designed to operate comfortably from paved airports, grass strips, gravel bars, and remote airfields, the M-5 235C has earned a reputation as one of the most practical four-seat bush aircraft ever produced.

Built by Maule Air Inc., the M-5 series combines a powerful Lycoming engine, high-wing visibility, robust landing gear, and excellent STOL (Short Takeoff and Landing) performance into an aircraft equally at home on weekend adventures, farm operations, and wilderness flying.

For aviation buyers searching for a 1976 Maule M-5 235C for sale, Maule bush plane, STOL aircraft, tailwheel utility aircraft, Lycoming-powered backcountry airplane, classic Maule aircraft, or four-seat bush plane, the Maule M-5 235C remains one of general aviation's most respected and capable utility aircraft.

Key Takeaway: The 1976 Maule M-5 235C is more than a utility airplane—it is a proven backcountry performer that blends classic tailwheel flying with practical everyday capability, making it equally attractive to recreational pilots, ranch owners, and bush flying enthusiasts.

Powerplant, Systems & Technical Highlights

The 1976 Maule M-5 235C is powered by a 235-horsepower Lycoming O-540 six-cylinder air-cooled engine, providing excellent low-speed thrust, dependable cruise performance, and the power needed for short-field departures while carrying passengers or cargo.

Its lightweight steel-tube fuselage, aluminum wings, conventional tailwheel landing gear, and generous flap system make the aircraft exceptionally capable from short and unimproved runways.

Technical highlights include:

• Powerplant: Lycoming O-540 six-cylinder air-cooled engine

• Power output: 235 hp

• Configuration: High-wing, tailwheel utility aircraft

• Crew: 1 pilot

• Seating: 4 occupants

• Cruise speed: Approx. 125–135 kt (144–155 mph / 232–250 km/h)

• Maximum speed: Approx. 140 kt (161 mph / 259 km/h)

• Range: Approx. 600–700 nm (690–805 mi / 1,110–1,296 km)

• Useful load: Typically around 1,000 lb (varies by aircraft)

• Takeoff capability: Excellent STOL performance

What makes the 1976 Maule M-5 235C technically attractive?

Its combination of strong Lycoming power, lightweight construction, exceptional visibility, forgiving handling, and proven short-field capability makes it one of the most versatile piston utility aircraft ever built.

For buyers asking, "Is the Maule M-5 235C a practical aircraft?" the answer is unquestionably yes. It remains one of the most capable utility airplanes available, provided buyers carefully evaluate maintenance records, airframe condition, engine history, and any STOL or bush-flying modifications.

Exterior & Cockpit

The 1976 Maule M-5 235C has become an icon of American bush flying. Its high-wing design, large tires, sturdy landing gear, wide cabin, and conventional tailwheel stance give it an unmistakably purposeful appearance.

Unlike sleek cross-country cruisers, the Maule is designed around function. Every aspect of the aircraft reflects durability, accessibility, and confidence on rough terrain.

Exterior highlights include:

• High-wing design for visibility

• Tailwheel configuration

• Large cabin doors for easy loading

• Strong steel-tube fuselage

• Aluminum wing construction

• STOL wing design with effective flaps

• Excellent propeller clearance

• Rugged landing gear suited for rough strips

• Bush flying heritage with timeless utility styling

Inside, the Maule M-5 235C provides a spacious cockpit with outstanding visibility, straightforward controls, and a practical layout designed for real flying rather than luxury.

Cockpit highlights include:

• Side-by-side pilot and co-pilot seating

• Traditional analog instrument panel

• Dual control yokes

• Excellent downward visibility

• Large side windows

• Comfortable seating for four

• Wide baggage access behind the rear seats

• Straightforward systems for owner maintenance

• Strong aftermarket avionics support

The cockpit feels honest, functional, and pilot-focused. Everything is designed to maximize visibility, situational awareness, and ease of operation in remote environments.

The Perfect Airplane For

The 1976 Maule M-5 235C is perfect for pilots who want genuine utility without sacrificing simplicity. It excels as a recreational backcountry aircraft, farm airplane, bush plane, wilderness explorer, and practical family adventure aircraft.

Who is the 1976 Maule M-5 235C best suited for?

It is ideal for buyers seeking dependable STOL capability, four-seat flexibility, rugged construction, and a classic tailwheel flying experience that rewards pilot skill.

The 1976 Maule M-5 235C is ideal for:

• Bush flying enthusiasts

• Backcountry adventure pilots

• Recreational STOL pilots

• Ranch and farm owners

• Outdoor photographers

• Hunters and anglers

• Aircraft owners needing utility and cargo flexibility

• Pilots transitioning into serious tailwheel flying

The Maule is less suited for buyers seeking luxury cabins, high-speed cross-country transportation, or fully automated IFR touring aircraft. Its strengths lie in versatility, simplicity, and access to places most aircraft cannot comfortably reach.

Potential buyer profile:

• You want a genuine STOL aircraft.

• You enjoy tailwheel flying.

• You value rugged, proven American engineering.

• You regularly fly from grass, gravel, or short runways.

• You need useful hauling capability for passengers or gear.

• You appreciate simple systems that are owner-friendly.

• You want an aircraft that feels equally comfortable on a remote backcountry strip or a local airport ramp.

In short, the 1976 Maule M-5 235C is the perfect airplane for pilots who value capability over complexity. It delivers dependable Lycoming power, excellent short-field performance, practical four-seat utility, and the timeless character that has made Maule aircraft a favorite among bush pilots for generations.