Casualties unknown

Ground Loop During Landing Results in Runway Excursion and Ditch Impact (N9014A)

Ironwood, MI, US

On April 23, 2003, a Maule M-5-210C (registration N9014A) operated by Ray A. Richter was involved in an aviation accident near Ironwood, MI. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's inadvertent ground loop on landing. A contributing factor was the ditch. 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 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

An airplane ground looped during landing, veered off the runway, and struck a ditch. The pilot attempted recovery with full power but lacked airspeed. Inspection found no tailwheel or flight control anomalies.

Incident Overview

During landing, the airplane experienced a ground loop, causing it to veer off the runway. The aircraft continued approximately 100 yards south of the runway before impacting a ditch. The event occurred while the airplane was on the ground, after touchdown.

Pilot Account

The pilot reported that after touchdown, a tail wheel shimmy occurred. In an attempt to recover from the ground loop, the pilot applied full power as the airplane approached the edge of the runway. However, the airspeed was insufficient to achieve takeoff, and the airplane departed the runway surface.

Post-Accident Inspection

Following the accident, an inspection of the airplane's tailwheel and flight control system was conducted. The examination revealed no anomalies, indicating that these systems were functioning normally at the time of the event.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 23 Apr 2003 Maule M-5-210C accident near Ironwood, MI?

An airplane ground looped during landing, veered off the runway, and struck a ditch. The pilot attempted recovery with full power but lacked airspeed. Inspection found no tailwheel or flight control anomalies.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 23 Apr 2003 involved a Maule M-5-210C, registration N9014A, operated by Ray A. Richter, at Ironwood, MI.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's inadvertent ground loop on landing. A contributing factor was the ditch.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20030425X00572. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.