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April 16, 2009 · Maule M-5-235C · N9219E

Los Angeles, CA

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
April 16, 2009
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 minor injury), 1 uninjured
Location
Los Angeles, CA
Aircraft
Maule M-5-235C
Tail Number
N9219E
Operator
Lawson John R
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
WPR09LA204

The pilot of the tailwheel-equipped airplane reported that during landing on Runway 30, the airplane bounced and touched down a second time in a three-point landing. During the landing roll, the airplane began to weathervane to the left. The pilot added right rudder and left aileron, and the airplane abruptly turned to the right and departed the runway. The airplane began skidding in the dirt, the left main landing gear failed, and the left wing tip impacted the ground. The winds were from 230 degrees at 10 knots at the time of the accident, giving a calculated left crosswind component of 9 knots for the landing. Examination of the airplane found no evidence of mechanical failures or malfunctions that would have contributed to a loss of directional control.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's inadequate compensation for the crosswinds and failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll.

Full Narrative

On April 16, 2009, approximately 1320 Pacific daylight time, a tail wheel equipped Maule M-5-235C airplane, N9219E, sustained substantial damage during the landing roll and subsequent ground loop at Whiteman Airport (WHP), Los Angeles, California. The airline transport pilot was not injured, and his private pilot-rated passenger received minor injuries. The passenger/owner was operating the airplane under the provisions of 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the cross-country check ride, which had originated from Santa Paula, California, about 1300. A flight plan had not been filed. The airline transport pilot, who was a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector, reported that he was giving a check ride to the passenger, which the passenger had successfully completed. On the return flight to their airport of origination, the passenger asked him if he would like to fly the airplane. The FAA inspector took control of the airplane (becoming the pilot-in-command) and entered the traffic pattern for a full stop landing. The landing was made on runway 30, a 4,120-foot-long and 75-foot-wide asphalt runway. The pilot stated that the Automated Terminal Information Service (ATIS) reported the wind at 230 degrees at 10 knots. The pilot noted that while on final approach, very little crosswind correction was necessary to maintain the runway's centerline. On touchdown, the airplane bounced and touched down a second time in a three-point landing. A couple of seconds later, during the landing roll, the airplane began to weathervane to the left. The pilot stated that his initial right rudder input was insufficient and he applied full right rudder and more left aileron. The airplane abruptly turned to the right and departed the runway at about a 45-degree angle. The airplane began skidding sideways in the dirt, the left main landing gear failed inward, and the left wing tip impacted the ground. The reported wind at Whiteman Airport at 1247 was from 230 degrees as 10 knots, which agrees with the pilot's report. Using this wind, the crosswind component for the landing was calculated to be a 9-knot left crosswind component. Post accident examination of the airplane by an FAA inspector revealed structural damage to the left wing and left horizontal stabilizer. The examination found no evidence of mechanical failures or malfunctions that would have contributed to a loss of directional control.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time13:20 PDT
Nearest AirportWhiteman Airport (0nm)
Runway30
Runway Length4120 ft
Runway Width75 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftMaule M-5-235C
Tail NumberN9219E
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorLawson John R
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-540 SERIES · Reciprocating · 250
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury Summary1 injury (1 minor injury), 1 uninjured
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor1
Uninjured1
Total2
Crew 1Age 55 · Third Class · Minor
Crew 2Age 46 · Second Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind230° @ 10 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point70 F / 0 C
Altimeter0
Observation Time19:47
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data