Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll, which resulted in a ground loop/swerve. A contributing factor was the pilot's lack of recent experience.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that he was landing the tailwheel-equipped airplane on runway 25 with no wind. His first approach was fast, the airplane bounced on touchdown, and he executed a go-around. On his second approach, the airplane drifted left and touched down left of the runway center line and bounced. Upon its second touchdown, the airplane swerved, and although the pilot attempted to regain control, it departed the left side of the runway and encountered a ditch. The pilot stated that "while current [he] did not have enough recent practice and should have refused PIC [pilot-in-command]."
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for LAX08CA081 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Mar 22, 2008
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Grangeville, Idaho
- Nearest airport
- Idaho County Airport (S80)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Maule M-8-235
- N-number
- N205MX
- Category
- Airplane
- 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.