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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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NTSB Report

May 17, 2009 · Maule M-4-220C · N2031U

Nenana, AK

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
May 17, 2009
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Nenana, AK
Aircraft
Maule M-4-220C
Tail Number
N2031U
Operator
Thomas Payer
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ANC09CA044

The solo private pilot reported he was landing a tailwheel-equipped airplane on a dry hard-surfaced runway, at the completion of a Title 14, Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight. He said that during touchdown the airplane bounced slightly and he added engine power to cushion the landing. As the airplane touched down again, a gust of wind pushed the airplane's tail to the left, and the airplane ground looped to the right. The airplane’s left main landing gear leg collapsed, and the left wing struck the ground. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing and fuselage. The pilot said there were no preaccident mechanical problems with the airplane, and noted in his report to the NTSB that the airplane had recently been converted from skis to wheels. He said that he should have flown with a flight instructor before attempting a flight in a wheel-equipped airplane, or selected a grass or gravel landing site.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's failure to maintain directional control while landing, resulting in a ground loop and substantial damage to the airplane.

Full Narrative

The solo private pilot reported he was landing a tailwheel-equipped airplane on a dry hard-surfaced runway, at the completion of a Title 14, Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight. He said that during touchdown the airplane bounced slightly and he added engine power to cushion the landing. As the airplane touched down again, a gust of wind pushed the airplane's tail to the left, and the airplane ground looped to the right. The airplane’s left main landing gear leg collapsed, and the left wing struck the ground. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing and fuselage. The pilot said there were no preaccident mechanical problems with the airplane, and noted in his report to the NTSB that the airplane had recently been converted from skis to wheels. He said that he should have flown with a flight instructor before attempting a flight in a wheel-equipped airplane, or selected a grass or gravel landing site.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time16:40 AKDT
Nearest AirportNenana Municipal Airport (0nm)
Runway04L
Runway Length4600 ft
Runway Width100 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftMaule M-4-220C
Tail NumberN2031U
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorThomas Payer
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsFranklin · 6V 350 SERIES · Reciprocating · 235
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 56 · Third Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind50° @ 6 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point55 / 18 C
Altimeter30.06 inHg
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data