On October 15, 2007, a Maule M-5-235-C (registration N5644N) was involved in an aviation accident near Mesa, AZ. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain directional control of the airplane during landing. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
During landing roll, the pilot lost control when the airplane veered left. Corrective right rudder input caused an abrupt right turn, left gear collapse, and propeller strike.
Incident Narrative
The pilot reported losing control of the airplane during the landing roll after it veered to the left. In an attempt to regain control, the pilot applied right rudder to correct the leftward deviation. This action led to an abrupt right turn, during which the left main landing gear collapsed. Subsequently, the propeller struck the runway surface, and the airplane came to rest perpendicular to the runway heading.
Pilot Statement
According to the pilot, there were no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures that could have contributed to the loss of control.
Aircraft Damage
The aircraft sustained damage to the left main landing gear, which collapsed, and the propeller impacted the runway surface. The final resting orientation of the airplane was perpendicular to the runway.