Aircraft: Maule MXT-180A. Injuries: None. Location: Manzanita, Ore. Aircraft damage: Substantial.
What reportedly happened: The pilot said everything seemed normal as the airplane crossed over the trees on final approach, and it was lined up with the runway centerline. But before the plane touched down, the wind shifted to a crosswind, and the airplane veered to the side of the runway.
The pilot attempted to realign the airplane with the runway, and added power to perform a go-around.
The plane touched down and bounced. The right wing hit a tree, and the plane then spun into a line of trees, substantially damaging both wings and the fuselage.
Probable cause: The pilot’s inadequate compensation for the crosswind during landing, which resulted in a loss of directional control.
NTSB Identification: WPR12CA390
This August 2012 accident report is provided by the National Transportation Safety Board. Published as an educational tool, it is intended to help pilots learn from the misfortunes of others.
Tail draggers are ALWAYS trying to swap ends – ALWAYS – At our little airport (E45) in the Sierras there’s ALWAYS swirling air at both ends, so you need to ALWAYS be ready for crosswind or even quartering tailwind – The last commenter’s right, “it’s all about stick’n’rudder management that’ll keep you aligned – the throttle is a “last resort” control – to avoid a loss of control, not fix it. Without directional control, the throttle will just get you to the accident scene quicker. I stop worrying about a ground-loop only after the plane is in the hangar, tied down; car back home, in the garage and me walking to the front door – that’s when I start to relax a little – Glad you’re OK, get your Maule fixed, take some good cross-wind lessons, and get back on that horse. Good Luck.
The MXT is the version with the training wheel, aka as the nosewheel model. I agree with Tom’s comment below. The guy needs some dual cross wind training.
It’s always somewhat amazing the language used in these write-ups. While it is understandable that there was indeed inadequate compensation for the crosswind, that inadequate compensation didn’t result in a “loss” of directional control. The pilot didn’t “lose” control of anything. The control was there all of the time and available. It just wasn’t used properly. It isn’t understandable that a pilot can get a certificate to fly but can only land the airplane if the wind is straight down the runway. Makes no sense and it’s as if to say well this thing is veering off of the runway and I can’t compensate for that so I must go around. The throttle isn’t the primary control for drift. What ever happened to “stick & rudder” all the way until the airplane comes to a stop. Is the pilot flying the airplane or is the airplane flying the pilot? Think about it.
I agree, Tom.