Aviation Accident Summaries

Aviation Accident Summary BFO95LA049

MOUNT STERLING, KY, USA

Aircraft #1

N202GT

MAULE M-7-235

Analysis

THE PILOT REPORTED THAT HE OVERFLEW THE AIRPORT TO CHECK THE WINDSOCK, AND HE ENTERED THE TRAFFIC PATTERN FOR RUNWAY 21. THE AIRPLANE TOUCHED DOWN NORMALLY, THEN THE RIGHT WING '...CAME UP ABRUPTLY.' THE PILOT STATED THAT HE APPLIED RIGHT AILERON, RIGHT RUDDER AND FULL POWER TO COMPENSATE. THE AIRPLANE VEERED TO THE LEFT AND THE LEFT WING IMPACTED THE GROUND. THERE WERE SEVERAL WITNESSES WHO REPORTED THAT THE WIND WAS GUSTING TO 20 KNOTS AT THE TIME OF THE ACCIDENT. THERE WAS NO EVIDENCE NOR CLAIM OF PREIMPACT MECHANICAL MALFUNCTION.

Factual Information

On April 21, 1995, at 1430 eastern daylight time, N202GT, a Maule M-7-235, sustained substantial damage when it veered off the runway during the landing roll at Mount Sterling Airport, in Mount Sterling, Kentucky. The certificated private pilot and the two passengers received minor injuries. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and a flight plan was not filed. The personal flight was conducted under 14 CFR 91 and originated in Danville, Alabama. The final destination was Jamestown, Ohio. The pilot reported that he overflew the airport and checked the wind sock before landing. According to the pilot, during the landing roll the right wing came up abruptly. He stated that he responded by applying right aileron, right rudder, and full power. Despite his efforts, the airplane veered off the left side of the runway and ground looped. According to an FAA Aviation Safety Inspector, witnesses reported that the wind was gusting to 20 knots at the time of the accident. The FAA Inspector stated he examined the airplane after the accident and there was no evidence of mechanical malfunction.

Probable Cause and Findings

the pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control during landing. The gusty, crosswind condition and the pilot's inadequate compensation for the wind condition were factors.

 

Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database

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