MAULE MX-7-180C
Akron, AL — January 18, 2009
Event Information
| Date | January 18, 2009 |
| Event Type | ACC |
| NTSB Number | ERA09CA136 |
| Event ID | 20090119X81000 |
| Location | Akron, AL |
| Country | USA |
| Coordinates | 32.87077, -87.73091 |
| Airport | Strickland-Smalley Field |
| Highest Injury | NONE |
Aircraft
| Make | MAULE |
| Model | MX-7-180C |
| Category | AIR |
| FAR Part | 091 |
| Aircraft Damage | SUBS |
Conditions
| Light Condition | DAYL |
| Weather | VMC |
Injuries
| Fatal | 0 |
| Serious | 0 |
| Minor | 0 |
| None | 2 |
| Total Injured | 0 |
Event Location
Probable Cause
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during landing. Contributing to the accident was the crosswind.
Full Narrative
The pilot of the Maule MX-180C stated that he overflew his private airfield prior to landing and noted that the wind was out of the west and "gusty". The wind was estimated by the pilot to be between 12 and 14 knots with gusts up to 20 knots. He elected to land on runway one without flaps and maintained an airspeed between 5 and 10 mph higher than normal due to the gusty conditions. During the flare, he was twice lifted by wind gusts before finally settling on the runway in a nose high attitude just left of centerline. The airplane began to yaw to the left and the pilot attempted to correct with the application of right brake. The airplane continued to the left until the left wing contacted a windsock damaging the wing and causing the airplane to ground-loop around the windsock. The airplane came to rest after the right wing and elevator contacted the ground.
About This NTSB Record
This aviation event was investigated by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). NTSB investigates all U.S. civil aviation accidents to determine probable cause and issue safety recommendations to prevent future accidents.