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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 19, 2013 · Maule M-6-235 · N56464

Big Lake, AK

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
May 19, 2013
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Big Lake, AK
Aircraft
Maule M-6-235
Tail Number
N56464
Operator
Vaught Timothy R
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ANC13LA049

The pilot was practicing stop-and-go landings on the gravel-covered runway. Upon touchdown, the right main gear separated at the axle housing, which pivoted the airplane to the right as the main landing gear leg dug into the runway. The airplane subsequently nosed down and came to rest on the propeller spinner and left wing. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing and lift struts. A postaccident examination revealed that the right main landing gear axle separated at the axle housing and main landing gear leg attachment point. Visual and magnified optical examinations of the fractured surfaces revealed features consistent with a bending overstress fracture, indicating that the pilot most likely executed a hard landing, which resulted in the fracture of the right main axle housing and the subsequent nosedown.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot’s execution of a hard landing, which resulted in the overstress fracture of the right main axle housing and the subsequent nosedown.

Full Narrative

On May 19, 2013, about 1130 Alaska daylight time, a tundra-tire and tailwheel-equipped Maule M-6-235 airplane, N56464, sustained substantial damage while landing at the Goose Bay Airport, about 9 miles south of Big Lake, Alaska. The airplane was being operated by the pilot as a visual flight rules (VFR) personal flight under the provisions of Title 14, CFR Part 91, when the accident occurred. The airline transport pilot was not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and a VFR military flight plan had been filed. The flight departed Elmendorf Air Force Base about 0830. During a telephone conversation with the National Transportation Safety Board investigator-in-charge (NTSB) on May 19, the pilot stated that he was practicing stop-and-go landings on the gravel covered runway at the Goose Bay Airport. Upon touchdown, the right main gear separated at the axle housing, which pivoted the airplane to the right as the main landing gear leg dug into the gravel covered runway. The airplane subsequently nosed down, coming to rest on the propeller spinner and left wing. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing and lift struts. The pilot noted that the airplane was equipped with 35-inch tundra tires. A postaccident examination, by the pilot, revealed the right main landing gear axle separated at the axle housing to main landing gear leg attach point. A Senior Safety Board Metallurgist reported that visual and magnified optical examination of the fractured surfaces revealed features consistent with a bending overstress fracture. (A synopsis of the NTSB Metallurgist's case review is included in the public docket for this accident.)

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time11:30 AKDT
Nearest AirportGOOSEBAY (0nm)
Runway08
Runway Length3000 ft
Runway Width75 ft
Flight Plan FiledVFR
Flight Plan ActivatedYes
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftMaule M-6-235
Tail NumberN56464
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorVaught Timothy R
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · IO-540 · Reciprocating · 235
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 40 · Second Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind320° @ 6 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point41 C / 10 C
Altimeter30.46 inHg
Observation Time13:53
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data