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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

NTSB Reports is an independent research and search tool for public aviation accident and incident records. It brings NTSB aviation reports, structured fields, docket files, extracted figures, photos, videos, and update history into one searchable interface.

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April 19, 1985 · Maule M-5-180C · N5655N

Junction, TX

Overview

Report Status
Preliminary report
Event Type
Accident
Date
April 19, 1985
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (3 uninjured)
Location
Junction, TX
Aircraft
Maule M-5-180C
Tail Number
N5655N
Operator
Rays Flying Service
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
FTW85LA190

AFTER NORMAL APCH AND LANDING THE ACFT BEGAN VIBRATING WHEN THE TAILWHEEL TOUCHED DOWN. THE ACFT BECAME UNCONTROLLABLE AS THE AIRSPEED DECREASED BELOW 30 KTS. RESULTING IN A GROUND LOOP AND DRAGGING OF A WING TIP. INVESTIGATION REVEALED THAT THE TAILWHEEL RETENTION ASS'Y WAS LOOSE. THE PLT HAD NOTICED THE ACFT WAS HARD TO TURN DURING TAXI PRIOR TO TAKEOFF AND HE ADDED AIR TO THE TIRE. NO OTHER DISCREPANCIES WERE NOTED ON THE (TAILWHEEL) ASS'Y AND IT OPERATED NORMALLY WHEN IT WAS TIGHTENED.

Full Narrative

AFTER NORMAL APCH AND LANDING THE ACFT BEGAN VIBRATING WHEN THE TAILWHEEL TOUCHED DOWN. THE ACFT BECAME UNCONTROLLABLE AS THE AIRSPEED DECREASED BELOW 30 KTS. RESULTING IN A GROUND LOOP AND DRAGGING OF A WING TIP. INVESTIGATION REVEALED THAT THE TAILWHEEL RETENTION ASS'Y WAS LOOSE. THE PLT HAD NOTICED THE ACFT WAS HARD TO TURN DURING TAXI PRIOR TO TAKEOFF AND HE ADDED AIR TO THE TIRE. NO OTHER DISCREPANCIES WERE NOTED ON THE (TAILWHEEL) ASS'Y AND IT OPERATED NORMALLY WHEN IT WAS TIGHTENED.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time14:15 CST
Nearest AirportKimble County (0nm N)
Runway17
Runway Length3300 ft
Runway Width95 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftMaule M-5-180C
Tail NumberN5655N
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorRays Flying Service
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-360-C1F · Reciprocating · 180
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (3 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured3
Total3
Crew 1Age 31 · Third Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind350° @ 5 kt
Visibility15 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point0 C / 0 C
Altimeter0
Observation Time14:15
Weather SourcePILO

Appendix: Source Data