Casualties unknown

1997-09-15: Maule M4-210 (N9804M) — Bethel, AK

Bethel, AK, US

On September 15, 1997, a Maule M4-210 (registration N9804M) was involved in an aviation accident near Bethel, AK. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's abrupt application of brakes during the landing roll. 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

A tailwheel-equipped airplane ground looped and its left wing struck the ground after the pilot applied brakes during rollout on wet pavement, following a tower request to clear the runway.

Accident Details

A tailwheel-equipped airplane was rolling out after landing on wet pavement. As the airplane approached the Bravo taxiway intersection, the tower controller requested the pilot to clear the runway onto Bravo. The pilot later stated that he should have continued to the next intersection instead of attempting to stop at Bravo.

Sequence of Events

During the rollout, the pilot applied brakes quickly in an effort to stop the airplane before reaching the Bravo intersection. The application of brakes caused the airplane to ground loop to the right. During the ground loop, the left wing struck the ground.

Post-Incident Remarks

The pilot acknowledged that his decision to brake rather than continue to the next intersection led to the loss of directional control. No other factors were mentioned in the source regarding the cause of the ground loop.

Conditions

The runway surface was wet at the time of the incident. The aircraft was equipped with a tailwheel configuration, which can be more susceptible to directional control issues during braking on slippery surfaces.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001208X08771. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.