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NTSB Report

March 15, 2002 · Maule M-7-260 · N7ZF

Montague, CA

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
March 15, 2002
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Montague, CA
Aircraft
Maule M-7-260
Tail Number
N7ZF
Operator
George a Cordingly Jr
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
LAX02LA112

The tail wheel equipped airplane ground looped during the landing roll. According to the pilot, the landing was a three point on runway 17, with no apparent adverse wind conditions or turbulence. The airplane rolled straight ahead for approximately 200 feet and then commenced an immediate uncommanded left turn, which the pilot said was not correctable with brake or rudder. The airplane ultimately ground looped to the left resulting in considerable damage to the airplane. The reported winds at the airport, about the time of the accident, were from 310 degrees at 5 knots.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's inadequate compensation for the crosswind condition and failure to maintain directional control.

Full Narrative

On March 15, 2002, at 1320 Pacific standard time, a Maule M-7-260, N7ZF, ground looped during landing at Siskiyou County Airport, Montague, California. The commercial certificated pilot, the sole occupant, was not injured; the airplane was substantially damaged. The personal flight was operated by the owner under 14 CFR Part 91 and departed from Montague-Yreka Rohrer Airport at 1245. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan had been filed. According to the pilot, he entered the traffic pattern for a landing on runway 17. He said the approach was normal, in the slot, and stabilized with no drift correction. The landing was three point, on the runway numbers, with no apparent adverse wind conditions or turbulence. The airplane rolled out straight ahead for approximately 200 feet, then commenced an immediate uncommanded left turn, which was not correctable with brake or rudder, and a ground loop resulted. The pilot reported that he accident could have been prevented by deactivation of the parking brake system, which he suspects was the reason why the airplane swerved during the landing. According to the pilot, as he learned from a maintenance facility, the deactivation could be done by "two separate and distinct brake pedal checks during landing checklist run, to check for hard pedal or pedals." He also stated that the ground loop was not pilot induced, nor was it likely that it was caused by erratic winds or gusts. The reported winds at the airport, about the time of the accident, were from 310 degrees at 5 knots.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time13:20 PST
Nearest AirportSISKIYOU (0nm)
Runway17
Runway Length7484 ft
Runway Width150 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftMaule M-7-260
Tail NumberN7ZF
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorGeorge a Cordingly Jr
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · IO-540-V4A5 · Reciprocating · 260
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 62 · Third Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind310° @ 5 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingOvercast 6500 ft
Temperature / Dew Point45 C / 23 C
Altimeter29.93 inHg
Observation Time20:56
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data