Aircraft: Maule MX-7-180C. Injuries: None. Location: Bishop, Calif. Aircraft damage: Substantial.
What reportedly happened: The pilot stated that about 15 minutes before arriving at the airport, he checked the automated surface observation system (ASOS), which reported variable wind at three knots.
The radio communications on the airport common traffic advisory frequency indicated that runway 30 was in use, however, as the pilot entered the airport traffic pattern he noticed that pilots were also using runway 12.
He elected to make a three-point landing on runway 30. The airplane touched down and as the it decelerated it began to veer right. The pilot could not regain control and the Maule went off the runway.
Although the wind was reported to be variable at three knots before the accident, a few minutes after the accident the ASOS reported wind from 160° at 9 knots gusting to 14 knots.
Probable cause: The pilot’s inadequate compensation for the variable wind conditions and his failure to maintain directional control.
NTSB Identification: WPR13CA012
This October 2012 accident report is are provided by the National Transportation Safety Board. Published as an educational tool, it is intended to help pilots learn from the misfortunes of others.
