Maule M-6-235 N6140B accident near Hailey, Idaho

Probable cause

The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during the landing rollout in a gusty, crosswind condition.

NTSB analysis

The automatic terminal information service reported that a crosswind existed with gusts up to 20 knots. The pilot said the air traffic controller confirmed the gusty wind conditions. The pilot stated that he approached and touched down using a left wing low wheel landing technique. Initially, the airplane was aligned with the runway’s centerline. After decreasing engine power and lowering the tailwheel, the pilot lost directional control. The right wing tip impacted the runway’s surface, and adjacent structural wing and aileron components were bent as the airplane veered off the runway and ground looped. The pilot reported that there were no mechanical anomalies that would have precluded normal operation.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR11CA414 for the full record.