Aviation Accident Summaries

Aviation Accident Summary CEN10CA187

Maybee, MI, USA

Aircraft #1

N125AB

MAULE MXT-7-180

Analysis

The pilot was attempting to land on his private airstrip with high, gusting winds. A local weather station reported that the prevailing wind was out of the south-southwest at 27 knots, gusting to 38 knots. The pilot reported that he aligned with the runway 27 centerline and held a crab into the wind until the landing flare and touchdown. Upon touchdown, the airplane encountered a wind gust and the right wing impacted the ground. The airplane then nosed over and came to rest upside down on the grass runway. The right wing, engine firewall, and rudder were substantially damaged. The pilot reported that there were no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation of the airplane.

Factual Information

The pilot was attempting to land on his private airstrip with a high, gusting wind condition. A local weather station reported that the prevailing wind was out of the south-southwest at 27 knots, gusting to 38 knots. The pilot reported that he aligned with runway 27 centerline and held a crab into the wind until the landing flare and touchdown. Upon touchdown, the airplane encountered a wind gust and the right wing impacted the ground. The airplane then nosed over and came to rest upside down on the grass runway. The right wing, engine firewall, and rudder were substantially damaged. The pilot reported that there were no pre-impact mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation of the airplane.

Probable Cause and Findings

The pilot's failure to compensate for gusting crosswinds resulting in the loss of directional control while landing.

 

Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database

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