Casualties unknown

2004-06-25: Maule M-7-235C (N1936P) — Walter Bowman — Miles City, MT

Miles City, MT, US

On June 25, 2004, a Maule M-7-235C (registration N1936P) operated by Walter Bowman was involved in an aviation accident near Miles City, MT. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain directional control of the aircraft during the landing roll resulting in a main landing gear collapse. 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
Aircraft registered N1936P
Aircraft registered N1936P. Photo: Armchair Aviator's / CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

During landing roll on runway 30, an aircraft veered left. Pilot's corrective action with right rudder did not prevent tire and gear failure, wing tip contact, and structural damage.

Incident Overview

During the landing roll on runway 30, an aircraft began to veer to the left. The pilot attempted to correct the deviation by applying right rudder control, but reported feeling a vibration in the tailwheel, describing it as "skidding," as the aircraft continued its leftward movement. The right main tire subsequently came loose from its rim, and the left main landing gear failed at the fuselage attachment points. During this sequence, both wing tips contacted the runway surface. The aircraft came to rest with the left wing resting on the runway.

Damage Assessment

Post-incident examination revealed significant structural damage. Wing skin wrinkles were noted on the upper surface of the left wing, and a rivet seam line on the lower surface was pulled apart. The left side step was pushed upward into the floorboard area, and the occupant seat structure sustained damage. The right wing tip and outboard aileron tip were also damaged.

Inspection Findings

A Federal Aviation Administration Inspector examined the aircraft and reported that the left main wheel was flat, with a small puncture hole observed on the outer rim. The right main tire was also flat, and its rim was damaged from side loading contact with the runway surface. The tailwheel was found intact and free to rotate.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20040702X00903. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.