MAULE M-4C near Lincoln, ME — 2012-08-09

Probable cause

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

NTSB narrative

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.

NTSB coding

• Loss of control on ground · Landing-landing roll

Evidence available

• Photos
• 7 docket documents

Docket documents7

• Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report, NTSB Form 6120.1form
• Pilot Statement to FAAinterview
• Second Pilot Statement to FAAinterview
• Memorandum for Record - FAA Inspectorother
• Photo 1 (Courtesy of FAA) - Airplane as it came to restphotos
• Photo 2 (Courtesy of FAA) - Damage to vertical stabilizerphotos
• Weather Reports and Recordsreport

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