No fatalities

1 Mar 2016: MAULE M5 235C — Wasilla, AK

Wasilla, AK, United States

On 1 Mar 2016, a MAULE M5 235C was involved in an aviation accident near Wasilla, AK. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The student pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the landing, which resulted in a runway excursion, and an impact with terrain. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 12 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

SourcesNTSBPrimary reportUpdated 1778583330Data APIEditorial standards

A student pilot, after practicing with an instructor, experienced a hard right swerve during a solo landing, attempted a go-around, but departed the runway, resulting in propeller strike and gear collapse.

Incident Overview

A student pilot, flying a tailwheel-equipped airplane, conducted six takeoffs and landings with a flight instructor. Subsequently, the student pilot took off alone and flew the traffic pattern. During the landing, as the wheels contacted the pavement, the airplane jerked sharply to the right. The student pilot attempted to straighten the aircraft, but reported that the speed was too high, so he applied power and attempted a go-around. The airplane then "jumped" to the right of the runway, departing the runway surface. The propeller struck the terrain, and the main landing gear collapsed under the fuselage.

Damage

The airplane sustained substantial damage to the two right wing lift struts. No preimpact mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airframe or engine were identified by the student pilot that would have precluded normal operation.

Pilot Statement

As a safety recommendation, the student pilot suggested "more practice" and to "land on gravel."

Contributing factors

Student/instructed pilotDirectional control — Not attained/maintained