Accident Details
On October 31, 2025, at about 1227 Pacific daylight time, a Maule M-7-235A, registration N9234N, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident at Friday Harbor Airport (FHR), Friday Harbor, Washington. The pilot was not injured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight.
Pilot Report
The pilot reported that, as he approached runway 16, he observed there was a gusting crosswind from the left. The pilot compensated for the crosswind by landing on the left main tire first, followed by the right main tire. Immediately after the right main tire contacted the runway surface, the right main landing gear failed, and the airplane ground looped to the left.
Damage and Examination
As a result of the ground loop, the airplane sustained substantial damage to the wings and fuselage. Examination of the right main landing gear revealed a fracture at a weld inboard of the wheel axle. The right main landing gear was retained for further examination.