Probable cause
Collision with an obstacle during the landing roll, which resulted in a loss of control and subsequent runway excursion and tree strike.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that during the landing roll on his first landing to his newly constructed airfield, the airplane's left main wheel came in contact with "something" and bounced in the air. The airplane veered to the left, the left wing tip struck a branch, continued to veer to the left and impacted a tree, which resulted in substantial damage to the left wing spar.
The pilot reported there were no pre-impact mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airframe or engine that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for GAA15CA074 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- May 16, 2015
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Sharps Chapel, Tennessee
- Nearest airport
- Old Valley Airport (UNKN)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Maule MX 7-180C
- N-number
- N567HW
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 2003
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Personal
Other records under this N-number
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.