Casualties unknown

1999-05-22: Maule M-5-210C (N51641) — Santa Ana, CA

Santa Ana, CA, US

On May 22, 1999, a Maule M-5-210C (registration N51641) was involved in an aviation accident near Santa Ana, CA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain directional control and his excessive use of the rudder to regain runway alignment. 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 practicing touch-and-go landings reported overcorrecting after landing right of centerline, resulting in a ground loop. Winds were from 180 degrees at 8 knots, with no mechanical anomalies.

Incident Overview

During a practice session of touch-and-go landings, a pilot experienced a loss of directional control that led to a ground loop. According to the pilot's report, the airplane landed to the right of the runway centerline. In an attempt to correct the position and return to the center of the runway before initiating the takeoff roll, the pilot overcorrected, causing the aircraft to ground loop.

Reported Conditions

The pilot noted that the wind was from 180 degrees at a speed of 8 knots at the time of the incident. No mechanical issues were identified with the airplane or its engine. The pilot further stated that weather was not considered a contributing factor.

Pilot Statement

The pilot provided a statement detailing the sequence of events. The touch-and-go landing practice involved multiple approaches, but the specific occurrence involved a landing that deviated from the centerline. The subsequent corrective action resulted in an overcorrection and a ground loop. The pilot reported no anomalies in the aircraft's systems or performance.

Conclusion

The incident highlights the challenges of maintaining directional control during touch-and-go landings, particularly when correcting an off-center landing. However, no direct causal factors were identified beyond the pilot's described actions. The aircraft sustained a ground loop, but no further details on damage or injuries were provided.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X18825. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.