Probable cause
The failure of the right main landing gear assembly for reasons that could not be determined based on the available information.
NTSB analysis
During the landing roll following a normal touchdown after a personal flight, the pilot felt a vibration in the airframe, and the right main landing gear collapsed. The pilot was unable to maintain directional control, and the airplane departed the side of the runway. A pilot-rated witness confirmed that the landing approach, flare, and touchdown were normal, and the surface wind was about a 20-degree left crosswind at 8 to 10 knots and not gusting at the time of landing. An examination of the airplane revealed the right main landing gear strut assembly failed, and all associated fracture surfaces were consistent with overload. The reason for the overload failure could not be determined.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN16LA100 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jan 29, 2016
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Macon, Missouri
- Nearest airport
- Macon-Fower Municipal Airport (K89)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Maule M 7-235C
- N-number
- N66E
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 2002
- 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.