On January 29, 2006, a Maule M-7-260C (registration N347JM) was involved in an aviation accident near Lakeview, AR. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to compensate for existing wind conditions during the landing roll. Contributing factors were the prevailing crosswind, and wet terrain. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
During landing roll on runway 24, a single-engine amphibian airplane drifted left due to a right crosswind, departed the runway, and struck a tree, separating the left wing. The pilot reported castering nose wheels, runway edge slope, and wet grass prevented correction.
Accident Details
A private pilot with 4,227 total flight hours, including 43 hours in the accident make and model, reported that during the landing roll on runway 24, a 3,200-foot long by 55-foot wide turf runway, the amphibian single-engine airplane drifted to the left due to a right crosswind. The pilot stated that the airplane's castering nose wheels, the slope at the edge of the runway, and the wet grass prevented him from correcting the drift. Subsequently, the airplane departed the left side of the runway and the left wing impacted a tree and separated from the fuselage.
Environmental Conditions
An automated surface observing system located approximately 4 nautical miles east of the airport reported wind from 270 degrees at 9 knots.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 29 Jan 2006 Maule M-7-260C accident near Lakeview, AR?
During landing roll on runway 24, a single-engine amphibian airplane drifted left due to a right crosswind, departed the runway, and struck a tree, separating the left wing. The pilot reported castering nose wheels, runway edge slope, and wet grass prevented correction.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 29 Jan 2006 involved a Maule M-7-260C, registration N347JM, at Lakeview, AR.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot's failure to compensate for existing wind conditions during the landing roll. Contributing factors were the prevailing crosswind, and wet terrain.