Casualties unknown

2003-06-20: Maule M-7-235C (C-FCDM) — Moses Lake, WA

Moses Lake, WA, US

On June 20, 2003, a Maule M-7-235C (registration C-FCDM) was involved in an aviation accident near Moses Lake, WA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's inadequate compensation for wind conditions during the landing roll. Factors include gusty crosswinds. 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 initially cleared for runway 14L requested a change to runway 22 after querying tower winds. During landing, a strong crosswind led to a wing contacting the runway.

Communications with Tower

When the pilot first contacted the tower, they cleared him to land on runway 14 Left. The Automatic Terminal Information Service (ATIS) indicated winds from the southwest. The pilot then asked the tower for the current winds. The tower controller reported winds from 240 degrees at approximately six knots and asked if the pilot would like to land on runway 22. The pilot responded affirmatively and was cleared to land on runway 22.

Approach and Landing

While on final approach, the pilot noticed a strong right quartering headwind. To compensate, he decided to keep the right wing low during the landing flare, which required an initial touchdown on the right main gear. This touchdown was successful.

Landing Roll and Wing Contact

During the landing roll, when the pilot lowered the left main gear to the runway, the right wing lifted into the air, and the left wing contacted the runway surface. The pilot believed that a wind gust occurred just as he lowered the left wheel to the runway. He stated that he did not feel any problems with the aircraft's flight controls or tailwheel steering systems.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20030714X01092. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.