On April 2, 1985, a Maule M-5-210C (registration N332X) was involved in an aviation accident near Fort Collins, CO. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the landing rollout due to a gust of wind that lifted the right wing, leading to a ground loop and collapsed landing gear. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A Maule pilot lost directional control during a landing on a dirt strip near Ft Collins, CO. A gust of wind caused the right wing to lift, leading to a ground loop and collapsed gear.
What happened
The pilot of a Maule aircraft experienced a loss of directional control while attempting to land at an unpaved dirt strip located near Ft Collins, Colorado. The weather conditions included wind from the west. During the final approach, the aircraft was in a full landing stall attitude when a gust of wind lifted the right wing. This sudden lift caused the left wing to contact the ground.
The investigation
Following the initial impact, the pilot attempted a go-around maneuver. However, during this attempt, the aircraft veered off the runway surface and entered a ground loop. This uncontrolled rotation resulted in significant structural damage, specifically causing the landing gear to collapse under the stress of the event.
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the landing rollout due to a gust of wind that lifted the right wing, leading to a ground loop and collapsed landing gear.
What happened in the 2 Apr 1985 Maule M-5-210C accident near Fort Collins, CO?
A Maule pilot lost directional control during a landing on a dirt strip near Ft Collins, CO. A gust of wind caused the right wing to lift, leading to a ground loop and collapsed gear.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 2 Apr 1985 involved a Maule M-5-210C, registration N332X, at Fort Collins, CO.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the landing rollout due to a gust of wind that lifted the right wing, leading to a ground loop and collapsed landing gear.
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