Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain control of the airplane during landing, which resulted in a runway excursion.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that the tailwheel airplane began to "pitch left" during landing. The pilot made crosswind corrections and could not keep the wings level. The left wing touched the runway and the airplane continued forward and then yawed to the right. The pilot was unable to correct the yaw with rudder application and engine power and the airplane exited the runway. The airplane's left landing gear folded when it contacted the terrain off the runway. The airplane sustained substantial damage to its left wing spar. The pilot indicated that there were no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN11CA233 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Mar 17, 2011
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Albuquerque, New Mexico
- Nearest airport
- Double Eagle II Airport (AEG)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Maule M-4-220C
- N-number
- N4550R
- Category
- Airplane
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Personal
From the NTSB aviation accident database: N-registered aircraft, events since 2008, data through Oct 28, 2026. The file is published monthly, so the latest weeks are incomplete and recent records can change. The official source is the NTSB aviation investigation search. CheckAero is independent and not affiliated with the NTSB.