Pilot Debrief

MAULE M-4 near Springfield, MN — 2012-07-10

Final reportCEN12LA492
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Date
2012-07-10
Location
Springfield, MN, USA
Airport
D42
Aircraft
MAULE M-4
Registration
N12026
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Landing

Probable cause

The tailwheel spring's overload failure during landing, resulting in a ground loop and runway excursion.

NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that the accident landing proceeded normally until he moved the control yoke from full forward to full aft, and the airplane’s tail moved abruptly to the left. The pilot's application of full left rudder and power did not stop the movement, and the airplane entered a ground loop to the right and departed the runway. Examination of the airplane found that the tailwheel spring failed during landing. The observed spring separation was consistent with overload.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Mechanical failure
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have inspected tailwheel assembly before flight to prevent failure.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • 2 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents2

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