No fatalities

31 Aug 2012: MAULE M-5-210C — Michael Whisenant — Juneau, AK

Juneau, AK, United States

On 31 Aug 2012, a MAULE M-5-210C operated by Michael Whisenant was involved in an aviation accident near Juneau, AK. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain directional control of the tailwheel-equipped airplane during landing, resulting in a ground loop. Contributing to the accident was the flight instructor's failure to adequately monitor the landing. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 11 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

SourcesNTSBPrimary reportUpdated 1778583330Data APIEditorial standards

A student pilot with a current tailwheel endorsement ground-looped a recently purchased tailwheel airplane during landing, causing substantial damage to the left aileron. The flight instructor overestimated the pilot's ability and did not take control.

Overview

A pilot-rated student, who had recently returned to flying after a long absence, hired a flight instructor to assist with becoming familiar and proficient in a recently purchased tailwheel-equipped airplane. The student held a current tailwheel endorsement but was not proficient. During landing, the pilot stated that he overcorrected, causing the airplane to ground-loop. The accident resulted in substantial damage to the left aileron.

Instructor Comments

The flight instructor involved in the accident reported that he had been asked to sit in during the absence of the student's primary instructor. He acknowledged that he overestimated the pilot's ability and did not take control of the airplane.

Mechanical Condition

Neither pilot reported any preaccident mechanical problems with the airplane.

Contributing factors

Causes

PilotDirectional control — Not attained/maintained

Other contributing factors

Instructor/check pilot