Pilot Debrief

MAULE M-5-235C near Los Angeles, CA — 2009-04-16

Final reportWPR09LA204
Sign in to save
Date
2009-04-16
Location
Los Angeles, CA, USA
Airport
WHP
Aircraft
MAULE M-5-235C
Registration
N9219E
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Minor
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Landing

Probable cause

The pilot's inadequate compensation for the crosswinds and failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll.

NTSB narrative

The pilot of the tailwheel-equipped airplane reported that during landing on Runway 30, the airplane bounced and touched down a second time in a three-point landing. During the landing roll, the airplane began to weathervane to the left. The pilot added right rudder and left aileron, and the airplane abruptly turned to the right and departed the runway. The airplane began skidding in the dirt, the left main landing gear failed, and the left wing tip impacted the ground. The winds were from 230 degrees at 10 knots at the time of the accident, giving a calculated left crosswind component of 9 knots for the landing. Examination of the airplane found no evidence of mechanical failures or malfunctions that would have contributed to a loss of directional control.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Loss of control
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have executed a go-around after the bounce.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • 2 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents2

Related mishaps