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NTSB Report

May 25, 1997 · Maule M-4-220C · N9865M

Englewood, CO

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
May 25, 1997
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Englewood, CO
Aircraft
Maule M-4-220C
Tail Number
N9865M
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
FTW97LA205

The pilot reported that he was advised by the control tower that the winds were from 070 degrees at 10 knots, and that this was confirmed by the ATIS. He was cleared to land on runway 35R. The pilot reported that during the landing roll, a gust of wind was encountered, and the airplane ground looped. Also, the pilot said that neither the control tower nor the ATIS transmission made mention of wind gusts. The pilot estimated the wind was gusting an additional 5 to 10 knots.

NTSB Probable Cause

failure of the pilot to maintain directional control of the airplane during the landing roll. The gusty crosswind condition was a related factor.

Full Narrative

On May 25, 1997, at 1036 mountain daylight time, a Maule M-4-220C, N9865M, was substantially damaged when it collided with terrain during landing at Englewood, Colorado. The private pilot, the sole occupant, was not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and a VFR flight plan had been filed for the personal flight conducted under Title 14 CFR Part 91. The flight originated at Albuquerque, New Mexico, approximately 0755. According to the pilot's accident report, control tower personnel advised, and was confirmed by ATIS (automatic terminal information service) that the winds were from 070 degrees at 10 knots. The pilot was then "cleared to land, runway 35R, number two, following a Beech jet on a two mile final, caution wake turbulence." The landing was uneventful. He said that during the landing roll, "a strong gust of wind from the right" caused the airplane to ground loop. The pilot was able to maintain aileron control and kept the right wing down, but he had insufficient rudder to maintain directional control. The pilot said neither ATIS nor the control tower made mention of wind gusts. According to Centennial Airport's Automated Weather Observation Station (AWOS), winds recorded 4 minutes after the accident were 010 degrees at 8 knots.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time10:36 MDT
Nearest AirportCentennial (0nm)
Runway35R
Runway Length10001 ft
Runway Width100 ft
Flight Plan FiledVFR
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftMaule M-4-220C
Tail NumberN9865M
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsFranklin · 6A-350-C1 · Reciprocating · 220
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 68 · Third Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind10° @ 8 kt
Visibility50 sm
CeilingBroken clouds 6000 ft
Temperature / Dew Point61 F / 41 C
Altimeter29.00 inHg
Observation Time16:40
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data