On April 21, 1995, a Maule M-7-235 (registration N202GT) operated by Doug Poole was involved in an aviation accident near Mount Sterling, KY. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control during landing. The gusty, crosswind condition and the pilot's inadequate compensation for the wind condition were factors. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
During landing on runway 21, the right wing of an airplane rose abruptly. The pilot applied corrective controls and full power, but the aircraft veered left and the left wing struck the ground. Witnesses reported gusty winds up to 20 knots. No mechanical issues were found.
Event Description
According to the pilot, the airplane overflew the airport to check the windsock before entering the traffic pattern for runway 21. The landing touchdown was normal. However, immediately after touchdown, the right wing "came up abruptly." The pilot reported applying right aileron, right rudder, and full power to compensate for the wing rise. Despite these inputs, the airplane veered to the left, and the left wing impacted the ground.
Witness Reports
Several witnesses at the airport reported that the wind was gusting to 20 knots at the time of the accident. No other weather conditions were specified.
Investigation
An examination of the airplane revealed no evidence of any preimpact mechanical malfunction. Additionally, no claim of a mechanical issue was made by the pilot. The investigation did not determine a probable cause for the event.