Casualties unknown

1999-05-22: Maule M-4-210C (N51450) — Lancaster, CA

Lancaster, CA, US

On May 22, 1999, a Maule M-4-210C (registration N51450) was involved in an aviation accident near Lancaster, CA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the landing rollout. A factor in the accident was the pilot's limited experience in conventional gear airplanes. 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 pilot with 9 hours in a Maule conventional gear aircraft reported a ground loop during landing rollout. He had recently transitioned from tricycle gear training.

Incident Overview

The pilot of a Maule aircraft reported that no discrepancies were noted with the airplane or the landing sequence up to touchdown. However, during the landing rollout, the aircraft experienced a ground loop. The pilot provided this account of the event.

Pilot Background

The pilot held a private pilot certificate issued on May 7, 1999. His flight training was conducted exclusively in tricycle-gear-equipped airplanes. He had recently transitioned to the conventional (tailwheel) landing gear Maule and had accumulated a total of 9 flight hours in that type at the time of the incident.

Aircraft Details

The incident involved a Maule aircraft equipped with conventional landing gear. No further specifics about the aircraft model, registration, or modifications were provided by the pilot.

Sequence of Events

According to the pilot's statement, the approach and touchdown were normal. As the airplane decelerated during the landing rollout, it unexpectedly ground looped. The pilot did not attribute the event to any mechanical malfunction or pilot error in his statement.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X18820. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.