Flight History
On Monday, 30 October 1978, at approximately 1350 hours MEZ, a Maule M-4-210 C (registration HB-ETP) departed Samedan Airport on a VFR flight to Bad Ragaz with a pilot and two passengers. The flight proceeded normally until arrival in the Bad Ragaz area.
Landing and Go-Around
The pilot established radio contact with Bad Ragaz airfield and was informed that runway 30 was in use. During the downwind leg, the pilot performed the approach check and set the propeller to high RPM in the base turn. On final approach, the indicated airspeed was 80 mph with flaps fully extended (position 2). Just before touchdown, the aircraft encountered a sudden gust from the left, causing it to drift slightly from the runway centerline. Witnesses observed an unsteady approach with roll oscillations. The aircraft touched down on the left side of the runway near the taxiway intersection, with the right main wheel contacting first and a pronounced right bank. Immediately after touchdown, the aircraft veered sharply to the left and came to rest approximately 2 meters off the runway. Only then did the tailwheel make contact with the ground.
The pilot attempted to correct with right aileron but, finding no response, decided to initiate a go-around by applying full power. The pilot felt that the aircraft did not accelerate properly. The aircraft then veered to the right, crossed the runway, and rolled with full flaps and up elevator toward a 4-5 meter high hedge (windbreak). About 80 meters before the hedge, the main wheels lifted off; 24 meters later, the tailwheel became airborne. Unable to clear the hedge, the pilot attempted to turn right. During the right turn, the aircraft stalled and struck the ground with its right wingtip. The aircraft then pitched over onto its nose and slid inverted backwards into the hedge, coming to rest.
Post-Impact Fire
Immediately after coming to rest, the aircraft caught fire. The occupants were conscious and able to evacuate unassisted.
Investigation Findings
The investigation found that the pilot held a valid license and was authorized to conduct the flight. No relevant medical issues were identified. The aircraft was airworthy with no pre-existing technical defects; weight (approximately 40 lbs below max takeoff weight) and center of gravity were within limits. During the go-around, the aircraft maintained a strong left sideslip. The flaps remained fully extended (position 2) until impact. The aircraft was equipped with lap belts. The last 100-hour inspection was performed on 14 October 1978, and the last 50-hour inspection on 15 July 1978. Weather conditions were: cloudless, visibility more than 10 km, wind from northwest at 2-5 kt.
Assessment
The side-loaded touchdown caused the aircraft to veer left off the narrow runway. With the aircraft in three-point attitude and a clear rollout path, it would have been appropriate to continue the rollout parallel to the runway. When the aircraft began to veer during the go-around and roll toward the windbreak, the pilot should have aborted the go-around. The insufficient acceleration during the go-around can be explained by the near-maximum takeoff weight, the left sideslip, the fully extended flaps, and the use of full up elevator. After stopping, the aircraft caught fire; the occupants, being conscious, escaped without head injuries possibly due to the rearward deceleration during the slide.
Probable Cause
The accident was attributed to erroneous decisions by the pilot: the decision to go-around after landing and the failure to abort the go-around.