Casualties unknown

1994-10-01: Maule M-5-235C (N664G) — Billings, MT

Billings, MT, US

On October 1, 1994, a Maule M-5-235C (registration N664G) was involved in an aviation accident near Billings, MT. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: INADEQUATE COMPENSATION FOR WIND CONDITIONS. FACTORS TO THE ACCIDENT WERE: CROSSWIND AND INADEQUATE REMEDIAL ACTION. 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 1781061362Data APIEditorial standards

During a crosswind landing roll, the pilot's toe slipped while applying left rudder, causing unintended left brake application. The airplane veered left, and despite corrective inputs, directional control was lost, resulting in a ground loop and landing gear collapse.

Incident Overview

A pilot reported that during the landing roll in crosswind conditions, the left wing of the airplane raised. The pilot attempted to correct this by applying left rudder control. However, as he did so, his toe slipped and inadvertently applied the left brake. This caused the airplane to begin veering to the left.

Pilot Actions and Loss of Control

The pilot then applied right rudder control in an effort to correct the veering motion. As the airspeed decreased, the pilot lost directional control of the airplane. The airplane subsequently ground looped to the left.

Resulting Damage

During the ground loop, the right main landing gear collapsed, and the right wing contacted the ground. No evidence was found to indicate a mechanical failure or malfunction of the airplane's systems or components.

Conclusion

The incident was the result of the pilot's inadvertent brake application during crosswind landing conditions, leading to a loss of directional control and subsequent ground loop.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001206X02526. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.