Loss of Directional Control During Landing Roll Leads to Propeller Damage in Aracaju

Casualties unknown • ARACAJU, SE, BR

A Maule M-6-235 aircraft veered off the runway at Santa Maria Aerodrome after the pilot lost directional control during a landing roll, resulting in substantial propeller damage.

What happened

On May 17, 2015, a Maule M-6-235 (registration PT-WLE) was performing a skydiving operation near Aracaju, Sergipe. After completing a series of jumps from the Aeroclube de Aracaju (SNAU), the pilot proceeded to Santa Maria Aerodrome (SBAR) to refuel the aircraft. The flight included the pilot and three skydivers.

During the landing roll at SBAR, the pilot lost directional control of the aircraft. The aircraft veered to the right, causing the propeller tips to strike the ground. The impact resulted in substantial damage to the propeller blades. The aircraft eventually came to a stop partially off the runway. The pilot remained uninjured.

Following the incident, the aircraft was moved to a nearby fire department area. Despite the damage to the propeller, the pilot chose to refuel the aircraft and fly it back to its hangar at SNAU. This movement occurred without the required authorization from the SIPAER investigation authority.

The investigation

The CENIPA investigation examined the flight conditions and the pilot's handling of the aircraft. At the time of the landing, meteorological conditions were favorable for VFR flight, though the crosswind component was near the manufacturer's maximum demonstrated limit of 14 mph (approximately 12 knots).

Investigators analyzed the aircraft's behavior on the ground, noting that for conventional landing gear aircraft, a crosswind during the landing roll can cause a tendency to weathercock into the wind. The investigation also addressed the unauthorized removal of the aircraft from the accident site, noting that the pilot's decision to fly the damaged aircraft back to SNAU violated established protocols regarding the preservation of evidence and aircraft at accident scenes.

Findings

  • Inadequate use of directional controls, specifically the rudder and tailwheel, to maintain the aircraft's centerline during the landing roll.
  • Pilot judgment regarding the decision to operate the aircraft and relocate it from the accident site without authorization from the investigation authority.
  • The presence of a crosswind component near the maximum demonstrated limit for the aircraft type.

Probable cause

The loss of directional control was caused by the pilot's failure to properly apply rudder and tailwheel inputs to counteract the weathercock tendency induced by a crosswind during the landing roll.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2015-05-17 aircraft accident near ARACAJU, SE, BR?

A Maule M-6-235 aircraft veered off the runway at Santa Maria Aerodrome after the pilot lost directional control during a landing roll, resulting in substantial propeller damage.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2015-05-17 involved a aircraft, registration PTWLE, at ARACAJU, SE, BR.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The loss of directional control was caused by the pilot's failure to properly apply rudder and tailwheel inputs to counteract the weathercock tendency induced by a crosswind during the landing roll.

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