On July 24, 1984, a Maule M-4-210C (registration N40692) operated by James H Weathers was involved in an aviation accident near Jackson, CA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain control of the aircraft during landing due to gusty crosswind conditions, which resulted in a ground loop and collapse of the left main landing gear. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
Aircraft encountered crosswind gusts during landing, leading to a ground loop and departure from the runway, resulting in collapse of the left main landing gear.
What happened
During the arrival phase at the airport, the pilot observed the windsock indicating a wind from the west at approximately 15 knots. He proceeded to enter the traffic pattern and landed on Runway 19. Shortly after touchdown, the aircraft encountered a gust of wind. The pilot estimated that the wind was gusting to approximately 25 knots. This sudden change in wind conditions caused the aircraft to ground loop. As a result of the ground loop, the aircraft departed from the right side of the runway. The impact caused the left main landing gear to collapse.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the immediate circumstances surrounding the accident. The pilot's observations of the wind conditions were documented. The sequence of events leading to the departure from the runway was reconstructed based on the pilot's account. No mechanical failures prior to the incident were identified in the provided source material.
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain control of the aircraft during landing due to gusty crosswind conditions, which resulted in a ground loop and collapse of the left main landing gear.
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