What happened
On November 21, 2016, a Maule MX7-180C, registration F-GICZ, was performing a local flight near Valenciennes, France. The pilot's primary objective for the flight was to test the functionality of a newly installed DME (Distance Measuring Equipment).
At approximately 12:40, the pilot approached runway 11 for a three-point landing. During the landing roll, after traveling roughly 30 to 40 meters, the pilot experienced a sudden deceleration of the left main landing gear. This was immediately followed by the right wing lifting, which caused the left wing to strike the ground, resulting in a ground loop.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the meteorological conditions and the aircraft's operational limits. At the time of the accident, nearby weather stations and AFIS reports indicated a southeasterly wind of approximately 15 to 16 knots, with gusts reaching up to 25 or 30 knots.
Investigators analyzed the crosswind component relative to the aircraft's limitations. While the pilot believed the crosswind limit for the aircraft was 22 knots, the official flight manual specifies a maximum crosswind limit of 12 knots. Calculations determined that the average crosswind component was 11.5 knots, with gusts reaching 19 knots.
Findings
- The aircraft sustained damage to the left wing, left aileron, engine cowling, propeller cone, and propeller.
- The primary cause of the accident was the insufficient management of the crosswind component during the landing phase, which approached the manufacturer's recommended limits.