Pilot Debrief

MAULE M-5-210C near Eureka, MT — 2025-12-09

Final reportWPR26LA055
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Date
2025-12-09
Location
Eureka, MT, USA
Airport
88M
Aircraft
MAULE M-5-210C
Registration
N339X
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during landing in crosswind conditions. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's lack of recent flight experience.

Contributing factors

Contributing to the accident was the pilot's lack of recent flight experience.

NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that upon landing in the tailwheel-equipped airplane, it encountered a crosswind. The right wing lifted, and the left wing dropped and struck the runway, contacting the asphalt surface. The pilot reported that he did not apply appropriate crosswind control inputs during landing. The airplane subsequently ground looped and exited the runway, resulting in substantial damage to the left wing and aileron. The pilot reported no pre-accident mechanical failures or malfunctions that would have precluded normal operation. At the time of the accident, the pilot was landing on runway 19 with light and variable wind at 5 knots. The pilot added that the accident flight was his first flight in about 7 years, but could not remember exactly when his last flight was.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • Photos
  • 3 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents3

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