River Ranch, FL, USA
N171GS
MAULE M-5-180C
The pilot stated that the flight was conducted in visual flight rule conditions, and when he arrived at the destination airport he noted no airplanes in the area. He said that he heard no radio communications to indicate the appropriate landing direction, saw no signs of wind direction as he approached the airport, and the airport’s wind sock did not indicate a wind or direction. The pilot elected to land on runway 16. When the airplane touched down, an unexpected wind gust pushed the airplane right of the runway center line. The pilot tried to straighten the airplane; however, the left wing tip and the left horizontal stabilizer tip contacted the ground, sustaining substantial damage. The pilot stated that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operations.
The pilot stated that the flight was conducted in visual flight rule conditions, with clear weather. Upon his arrival at the intended airport he noted no aircraft in the area, no radio communications to indicate the appropriate landing direction, and no signs of wind direction observable as he approached the airport. The wind sock at the airport did not indicate a wind or direction. The pilot elected to land on runway 16. As the airplane touched down, an unexpected left to right wind gust pushed the airplane off the center line to the right. He applied left brake in an attempt to straighten the airplane; however, the left wing tip and the left horizontal stabilizer tip made contact with the ground before the airplane departed the right side of the runway. It came to a stop with its nose on the ground, damaging the propeller. The left wing and left horizontal stabilizer were substantially damaged. The pilot stated there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operations.
The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control after encountering a wind gust during landing.
Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database
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