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Alternator Failure Leads to Ground Loop During Precautionary Landing (N12016)

Salina, KS, US

On May 9, 1994, a Maule M-4 (registration N12016) was involved in an aviation accident near Salina, KS. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: FAILURE OF THE PILOT TO MAINTAIN DIRECTIONAL CONTROL, WHICH RESULTED IN AN INADVERTENT GROUND LOOP/SWERVE. FACTORS RELATED TO THE ACCIDENT WERE: THE CROSSWIND, AND THE PILOT'S LACK OF EXPERIENCE IN THE MAKE AND MODEL OF AIRCRAFT. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

Following an alternator failure, a pilot diverted to Salina, Kansas for a precautionary landing. After touchdown on runway 35, the aircraft ground looped, causing the left main gear to collapse from overload.

Flight and Diversion

During flight, the aircraft's alternator failed. The pilot subsequently diverted to Salina, Kansas, for a precautionary landing. The airport was a controlled field and featured two additional runways: 4/22 and 12/30.

Landing and Ground Loop

The pilot landed on runway 35. At the time, the wind was from 050 degrees at 15 knots (17.25 mph). The airplane's demonstrated crosswind component was 20 mph. Shortly after touchdown, directional control was lost, and the aircraft ground looped to the right. During the ground loop, the left main landing gear collapsed due to overload failure.

Pilot Experience

The pilot had accumulated only seven hours of flight time in this specific make and model of aircraft.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001206X01234. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.