Aviation Accident Summaries

Aviation Accident Summary ERA12CA502

Lincoln, ME, USA

Aircraft #1

N9838M

MAULE M-4C

Analysis

The pilot was conducting takeoffs and landings in the airport traffic pattern to familiarize himself with the tailwheel-equipped airplane. The pilot attempted to perform a "wheel landing" (touching down on the main landing gear only and gradually allowing the tailwheel to settle to the ground), and the airplane veered to the left during the landing roll. The pilot attempted to correct with aileron and rudder inputs; however, the airplane nosed over and came to rest inverted, substantially damaging both wings and the vertical stabilizer. The pilot reported there were no mechanical malfunctions or anomalies that would have precluded normal operation of the airplane, and stated that he had no prior flight experience in the accident airplane make and model.

Factual Information

The pilot was conducting takeoffs and landings in the airport traffic pattern to familiarize himself with the tailwheel-equipped airplane, with a second pilot who did not hold a flight instructor certificate. At the suggestion of the second pilot, the pilot attempted to perform a "wheel landing," and during the landing roll, the airplane veered to the left. The pilot attempted to correct with aileron and rudder inputs, and the airplane nosed over and subsequently came to rest inverted, resulting in substantial damage to the wing spar and vertical stabilizer. The pilot reported there were no mechanical anomalies that would have precluded normal operation of the airplane, and stated that he had no prior flight experience in the accident airplane make and model.

Probable Cause and Findings

The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll.

 

Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database

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