Probable cause
The pilot's inadequate compensation for the crosswind condition and failure to maintain directional control during the landing rollout.
NTSB analysis
During the landing rollout, a moderate right crosswind gust of 7 to 8 knots affected the airplane, causing it to drift left. The pilot applied right rudder to compensate; however, as he applied more and repeated right rudder pressure the airplane continued to drift left. The airplane went off the left side of the runway, onto a grass shoulder, then nosed over into the drainage ditch. The pilot stated that the passenger in the copilot's seat was very nervous and tense throughout the flight, and with the sudden left movement of the airplane after landing, the passenger may have tensed up, inadvertently blocked the rudder pedals with his feet.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for LAX08CA106 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Apr 12, 2008
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Monroe, Washington
- Nearest airport
- Firstair Field (KW16)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Maule M-5-235C
- N-number
- N9277E
- Category
- Airplane
- 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.