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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

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NTSB Report

January 2, 2012 · Maule M-5-180C · N171GS

River Ranch, FL

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
January 2, 2012
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (3 uninjured)
Location
River Ranch, FL
Aircraft
Maule M-5-180C
Tail Number
N171GS
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ERA12CA134

The pilot stated that the flight was conducted in visual flight rule conditions, and when he arrived at the destination airport he noted no airplanes in the area. He said that he heard no radio communications to indicate the appropriate landing direction, saw no signs of wind direction as he approached the airport, and the airport’s wind sock did not indicate a wind or direction. The pilot elected to land on runway 16. When the airplane touched down, an unexpected wind gust pushed the airplane right of the runway center line. The pilot tried to straighten the airplane; however, the left wing tip and the left horizontal stabilizer tip contacted the ground, sustaining substantial damage. The pilot stated that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operations.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control after encountering a wind gust during landing.

Full Narrative

The pilot stated that the flight was conducted in visual flight rule conditions, with clear weather. Upon his arrival at the intended airport he noted no aircraft in the area, no radio communications to indicate the appropriate landing direction, and no signs of wind direction observable as he approached the airport. The wind sock at the airport did not indicate a wind or direction. The pilot elected to land on runway 16. As the airplane touched down, an unexpected left to right wind gust pushed the airplane off the center line to the right. He applied left brake in an attempt to straighten the airplane; however, the left wing tip and the left horizontal stabilizer tip made contact with the ground before the airplane departed the right side of the runway. It came to a stop with its nose on the ground, damaging the propeller. The left wing and left horizontal stabilizer were substantially damaged. The pilot stated there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operations.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time13:00 EST
Nearest AirportRiver Ranch (0nm)
Runway16
Runway Length4950 ft
Runway Width75 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftMaule M-5-180C
Tail NumberN171GS
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O&VO-360 SER · Reciprocating · 180
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (3 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured3
Total3
Crew 1Age 63 · Third Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind290° @ 8 kt
Visibility15 sm
CeilingBroken clouds 2500 ft
Temperature / Dew Point66 F / 45 C
Altimeter30.14 inHg
Observation Time17:51
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data