Probable cause
A hard landing which resulted in a loss directional control and ground loop.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that the landing was "hard and the plane bounced, I tried to get it under control, but the next time it came down it also hit hard." He reported that he tried to execute a go-around but the airplane for a third time, "came down again and ground looped." The airplane departed the runway to the left, the right main landing gear collapsed, and the right wing impacted terrain. A postflight inspection revealed substantial damage to the right wing.
The pilot also stated, "I should have had more training in this airplane, and I should not have landed at an airport with such a high density altitude."
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 GAA15CA291 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Sep 30, 2015
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Kemmerer, Wyoming
- Nearest airport
- Kemmerer Municipal Airport (EMM)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Maule M 7-235C
- N-number
- N4244L
- 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.