No fatalities

7 Oct 2012: MAULE MX-7-180C — BROBERG RICHARD — Bishop, CA

Bishop, CA, United States

On 7 Oct 2012, a MAULE MX-7-180C operated by BROBERG RICHARD was involved in an aviation accident near Bishop, CA. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's inadequate compensation for the variable wind conditions and his failure to maintain directional control. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 3 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

SourcesNTSBPrimary reportUpdated 1778583330Data APIEditorial standards

During landing on runway 30, an aircraft veered right and exited the runway, damaging its left elevator and aileron. Winds were calm at landing time but gusted to 14 knots shortly after. No mechanical issues were reported.

Sequence of Events

Approximately 15 minutes before arriving at the destination airport, the pilot checked the automated surface observation system (ASOS), which reported variable wind at 3 knots. Radio communications on the common traffic advisory frequency (CTAF) indicated that runway 30 was in use. As the pilot entered the traffic pattern, they observed that other pilots were using both runways 12 and 30. The pilot executed a three-point landing on runway 30. During the deceleration, the aircraft began to veer to the right. The pilot applied left rudder and brake to correct, but the aircraft continued to deviate, ultimately departing the runway surface. The runway excursion resulted in damage to the left elevator and left aileron.

Weather Information

In the hour preceding the accident, the ASOS reported wind variable at 3 knots. A few minutes after the accident, at 1256, the ASOS indicated wind from 160 degrees at 9 knots, gusting to 14 knots. This suggests that wind conditions changed around the time of the landing.

Additional Details

The pilot stated that the aircraft had no pre-accident mechanical malfunctions or failures during the flight. No other information regarding the aircraft type, registration, or operator was provided.

Contributing factors

Directional control — Not attained/maintainedResponse/compensationPilot