What happened
On October 30, 1978, a Maule M-4-210 C, registration HB-ETP, was conducting a visual flight rules (VFR) flight from Samedan to Bad Ragaz with two passengers on board. During the final approach to runway 30, the aircraft encountered sudden, strong turbulence. This caused the aircraft to land in a crabbed position, with the right main gear making contact first while the plane was heavily tilted. As the aircraft rolled, it drifted slightly left of the narrow runway.
In an attempt to correct the deviation, the pilot applied full power to initiate a go-around. However, the aircraft failed to accelerate effectively and began to veer sharply to the right. The aircraft drifted toward a hedge approximately 4 to 5 meters high. During a desperate attempt to maneuver right to avoid the obstacle, the right wingtip struck the ground. The aircraft subsequently flipped onto its back and slid backward into the hedge, where it caught fire. All three occupants managed to evacuate the wreckage safely.
The investigation
The investigation examined the aircraft's mechanical condition, the pilot's credentials, and the environmental factors at the time of the accident. The Maule M-4-210 C was found to be in good technical condition, with no pre-existing mechanical defects identified. The aircraft's weight and center of gravity were within permissible limits, and maintenance records showed the most recent 100-hour inspection had been completed recently. The weather was reported as clear with excellent visibility.
Findings
- The aircraft's lack of acceleration during the go-around was caused by a combination of high takeoff weight, the aircraft sliding to the left, the flaps remaining in the fully extended position, and the pilot applying full elevator back-pressure.
- The initial landing deviation was caused by turbulence and the resulting crabbed touchdown.
- The pilot's decision to initiate a go-around after the aircraft had already landed and drifted off the runway centerline was a critical error.
- The pilot failed to abort the go-around once the aircraft began to deviate toward the airfield boundary.
Safety action
No specific safety recommendations were recorded in the report, though the investigation highlighted that the pilot should have allowed the aircraft to roll out parallel to the runway centerline rather than attempting a go-around after the initial touchdown deviation.