Maule M 7 N427LS

Summary

On 19 May 2018 at about 17:30 local time, a Maule M 7 registered N427LS was involved in an accident near Burnet, Texas, United States. 2 people were on board and nobody was injured. The aircraft was substantially damaged. The NTSB has published a probable cause for this accident; it is quoted in full below.

Date

19 May 2018 at 17:30

Classification

Accident

Location

Burnet, Texas, United States

Nearest airport

Burnet Muni Kate Craddock Fiel (BMQ)

Coordinates

30.7389, -98.2386

Aircraft

Maule M 7

Registration

N427LS

Category

Airplane

Year built

2001

Engines

1

Operator

Not recorded

Operating rule

Part 91: General Aviation

Purpose of flight

Personal

Phase of flight

Not recorded

Route

Fredericksburg → Burnet

Aircraft damage

Substantial

Weather

VMC

Light

Day

NTSB number

GAA18CA287

Nobody was injured.

The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during landing in gusting wind conditions and with an incorrect flap configuration.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record. This site does not paraphrase or interpret it.

Read the full NTSB narrative

According to the pilot in the tailwheel-equipped airplane, he attempted a three-point landing with 48° of flaps applied in a strong, left crosswind. He reported that, after landing, the airplane lifted off again, and the left wing lifted. The pilot applied aileron and rudder inputs to counter the left crosswind, but the inputs were ineffective due to the airplane's low airspeed. He applied power to fly out of the gusting left crosswind condition, but the airplane veered right, the right wing struck the ground, and the airplane cartwheeled. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the engine mounts, both wings, and the aft fuselage. The METAR at the accident airport reported, about the time of the accident, wind from 160° at 12 knots, gusting to 25 knots. The highest wind reported during the observation period was from 190° at 31 knots. The pilot landed the airplane on runway 19. According to the manufacturer's airplane flight manual, the maximum demonstrated crosswind component was 12 knots, and the flap extension should be limited to 0°. The pilot reported that the accident could have been prevented if he had attempted a wheel landing with less than full flaps. The pilot reported that there were no mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record.