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NTSB Report
August 9, 2012 · Maule M-4C · N9838M
Lincoln, ME
Overview
Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
August 9, 2012
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Lincoln, ME
Aircraft
Maule M-4C
Tail Number
N9838M
Operator
Tardiff Richard A
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ERA12CA502
The pilot was conducting takeoffs and landings in the airport traffic pattern to familiarize himself with the tailwheel-equipped airplane. The pilot attempted to perform a "wheel landing" (touching down on the main landing gear only and gradually allowing the tailwheel to settle to the ground), and the airplane veered to the left during the landing roll. The pilot attempted to correct with aileron and rudder inputs; however, the airplane nosed over and came to rest inverted, substantially damaging both wings and the vertical stabilizer. The pilot reported there were no mechanical malfunctions or anomalies that would have precluded normal operation of the airplane, and stated that he had no prior flight experience in the accident airplane make and model.
NTSB Probable Cause
Aircraft-Aircraft oper/perf/capability-Performance/control parameters-Directional control-Not attained/maintained - C
Full Narrative
The pilot was conducting takeoffs and landings in the airport traffic pattern to familiarize himself with the tailwheel-equipped airplane, with a second pilot who did not hold a flight instructor certificate. At the suggestion of the second pilot, the pilot attempted to perform a "wheel landing," and during the landing roll, the airplane veered to the left. The pilot attempted to correct with aileron and rudder inputs, and the airplane nosed over and subsequently came to rest inverted, resulting in substantial damage to the wing spar and vertical stabilizer. The pilot reported there were no mechanical anomalies that would have precluded normal operation of the airplane, and stated that he had no prior flight experience in the accident airplane make and model.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time11:20 EDT
Nearest AirportLincoln Regional (0nm)
Runway35
Runway Length2804 ft
Runway Width75 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftMaule M-4C
Tail NumberN9838M
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorTardiff Richard A
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsCont Motor · O-300 SER · Reciprocating · 145
Seats4
People & Injuries
Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 60 · First Class · None
Crew 2Age 59 · Third Class · None
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind50° @ 4 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingBroken clouds 11000 ft
Temperature / Dew Point57
Altimeter29.97 inHg
Observation Time14:53
Weather SourceWFAC