On October 26, 2006, a Maule M5 (registration N32CX) was involved in an aviation accident near New Braunfels, TX. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The failure of the right main landing gear attachment during the landing roll, which resulted in a ground loop. A contributing factor was a crosswind. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A private pilot landing a tail-wheel airplane experienced a ground loop after the right main landing gear collapsed. Post-accident examination revealed corrosion and a crack at the right landing gear strut attachment point.
Accident Overview
A private pilot flying a tail-wheel airplane was returning to the airport and performed a normal approach for a full-stop landing on runway 17. The pilot reported that the wind at the time was from 250 degrees at 8 knots. During the landing roll, the airplane drifted left. The pilot applied a slight correction with right rudder, but the right wing continued downward and the airplane began to turn hard right. Attempting to regain directional control, the pilot added power, but the right main landing gear collapsed. Subsequently, the right wing and propeller contacted the runway surface, causing the airplane to ground loop. The event resulted in structural damage to the right wing.
Post-Accident Examination
An aircraft mechanic inspected the landing gear and found that the right landing gear strut attachment point was corroded and cracked. No other mechanical anomalies were reported.
What happened in the 26 Oct 2006 Maule M5 accident near New Braunfels, TX?
A private pilot landing a tail-wheel airplane experienced a ground loop after the right main landing gear collapsed. Post-accident examination revealed corrosion and a crack at the right landing gear strut attachment point.
Were there any fatalities in the 26 Oct 2006 Maule M5 accident?
No fatalities were recorded in this accident.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 26 Oct 2006 involved a Maule M5, registration N32CX, at New Braunfels, TX.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The failure of the right main landing gear attachment during the landing roll, which resulted in a ground loop. A contributing factor was a crosswind.
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