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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

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NTSB Report

September 15, 1997 · Maule M4-210 · N9804M

Bethel, AK

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
September 15, 1997
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Bethel, AK
Aircraft
Maule M4-210
Tail Number
N9804M
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ANC97LA149

The tailwheel-equipped airplane was rolling out after landing on wet pavement. The airplane was abeam Bravo taxiway and still rolling, when the tower controller requested the pilot clear the runway onto Bravo. The pilot stated that he should have continued to the next intersection, but instead quickly applied brakes to attempt to stop the airplane. The airplane ground looped to the right, and the left wing struck the ground.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's abrupt application of brakes during the landing roll.

Full Narrative

On September 14, 1997, at 1728 Alaska daylight time, a tailwheel equipped Maule M4-210 airplane, N9804M, sustained substantial damage when it ground looped during landing at the Bethel Airport, Bethel, Alaska. The private certificated pilot, and the one passenger aboard were uninjured. The airplane was owned and operated by Daniel M. Picazo, of Bethel, Alaska. The flight was conducted under 14 CFR Part 91, as a personal flight, and had originated from Canyon Creek strip at 1630. Instrument meteorological conditions of 800 foot broken ceilings, 1 1/2 miles visibility in light rain, prevailed at the time of the accident. The airplane had been issued a Special VFR clearance to enter the Class D airspace and land on runway 18. Winds were 190 degrees at 8 knots. Runway 18 is asphalt covered, and is 6,398 feet long by 150 feet wide. The runway was wet at the time of the accident. The pilot stated that he had just landed, and was abeam taxiway Bravo when requested by the tower controller to clear the runway at Bravo. He stated that he should have continued rolling to the next intersection, but instead quickly applied brakes to stop. Directional control was lost, the airplane yawed 360 degrees to the right, and the left wing contacted the ground.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time17:28 AKDT
Nearest AirportBETHEL (0nm)
Runway18
Runway Length6398 ft
Runway Width150 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftMaule M4-210
Tail NumberN9804M
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsContinental · IO-360 · Reciprocating · 210
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 45 · Second Class

Conditions

ConditionsIMC
LightDaylight
Wind170° @ 6 kt
Visibility1.5 sm
CeilingBroken clouds 800 ft
Temperature / Dew Point52 / 52
Altimeter29.00 inHg
Observation Time20:35
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data