Probable cause
The pilot did not maintain control of the airplane while landing in gusting crosswind conditions.
NTSB analysis
The pilot maneuvered the airplane to land and noted moderate gusting wind from the left. During the landing, the airplane encountered a strong gust of wind; the airplane began a left turn and then a hard right turn. The pilot lost control of the airplane and it exited the left side of the runway. The pilot advanced the throttle to avoid a ditch but the right wheel impacted the ditch. The left wing then struck the ground which resulted in substantial damage. The pilot reported no mechanical malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN15CA134 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jan 23, 2015
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Georgetown, Texas
- Nearest airport
- Georgetown Muni (GTU)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Maule MX 7-180
- N-number
- N773MC
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1986
- 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.