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Tailwheel Airplane Ground Loop on First Pavement Landing

Talkeetna, AK, United States

On June 6, 2015, a MAULE M 7-235B operated by KAYLOR RONALD N was involved in an aviation accident near Talkeetna, AK. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: A slower than normal approach speed resulted in a hard landing, after which the pilot lost directional control and entered a ground loop. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 12 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

SourcesNTSBPrimary reportUpdated 2026-08-03Data APIEditorial standards

During his first landing on pavement in a tailwheel airplane with 29-inch tundra tires, a pilot executed a hard landing due to a slower than normal approach speed, resulting in a ground loop and substantial damage to the right aileron.

Accident Summary

A pilot experienced a ground loop while landing a tailwheel-equipped airplane with 29-inch tundra tires on pavement for the first time. The accident resulted in substantial damage to the right aileron.

Pilot's Account

The pilot reported that he was conducting his first landing on pavement in the airplane, which was equipped with large tundra tires. He stated that he approached at a slower than normal speed, which led to a hard landing. After the airplane touched down, the pilot lost directional control and the airplane entered a ground loop to the right. The pilot noted that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or anomalies that would have prevented normal operation.

Damage

The ground loop caused substantial damage to the right aileron. No other damage was reported.

Probable cause

A slower than normal approach speed resulted in a hard landing, after which the pilot lost directional control and entered a ground loop.

Contributing factors

PilotDirectional control — Not attained/maintained

Related events

Same aircraft family

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 6 Jun 2015 MAULE M 7-235B accident near Talkeetna, AK?

During his first landing on pavement in a tailwheel airplane with 29-inch tundra tires, a pilot executed a hard landing due to a slower than normal approach speed, resulting in a ground loop and substantial damage to the right aileron.

Were there any fatalities in the 6 Jun 2015 MAULE M 7-235B accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 6 Jun 2015 involved a MAULE M 7-235B, operated by KAYLOR RONALD N, at Talkeetna, AK.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

A slower than normal approach speed resulted in a hard landing, after which the pilot lost directional control and entered a ground loop.

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