Maule M-5-210C N339X accident near Eureka, Montana

Probable cause

The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during landing in crosswind conditions. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's lack of recent flight experience.

NTSB analysis

The pilot reported that upon landing in the tailwheel-equipped airplane, it encountered a crosswind. The right wing lifted, and the left wing dropped and struck the runway, contacting the asphalt surface. The pilot reported that he did not apply appropriate crosswind control inputs during landing. The airplane subsequently ground looped and exited the runway, resulting in substantial damage to the left wing and aileron.

The pilot reported no pre-accident mechanical failures or malfunctions that would have precluded normal operation. At the time of the accident, the pilot was landing on runway 19 with light and variable wind at 5 knots.

The pilot added that the accident flight was his first flight in about 7 years, but could not remember exactly when his last flight was.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR26LA055 for the full record.