On May 31, 1983, a Maule 5-235C (registration N81CD) was involved in an aviation accident near Fairbanks, AK. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during landing due to high wind velocity. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A pilot lost directional control of the aircraft during landing due to high wind velocity, causing the plane to cartwheel and come to rest on the runway shoulder.
What happened
The pilot reported losing directional control of the aircraft while attempting to land. Despite the weather conditions being visual meteorological conditions (VMC), the wind was blowing from 260 degrees at a velocity of 18 knots. The loss of control resulted in the aircraft cartwheeling several times before finally coming to rest on the left side of the runway, approximately 500 feet from the approach end.
The investigation
Investigation into the incident focused on the circumstances surrounding the landing and the environmental factors present at the time. The pilot provided a statement regarding the loss of control, attributing the event directly to the high wind velocity encountered during the final phase of flight.
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during landing due to high wind velocity.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 31 May 1983 Maule 5-235C accident near Fairbanks, AK?
A pilot lost directional control of the aircraft during landing due to high wind velocity, causing the plane to cartwheel and come to rest on the runway shoulder.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 31 May 1983 involved a Maule 5-235C, registration N81CD, at Fairbanks, AK.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during landing due to high wind velocity.
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