Maule M-7-260C N261MM accident near Kanab, Utah

Probable cause

The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll with gusting crosswind conditions.

NTSB analysis

The pilot of the tailwheel equipped airplane reported that, during the landing roll, and prior to the tailwheel contacting the runway surface, a gust of wind moved the tail of the airplane to the right. The pilot attempted to correct with right rudder input, followed by alternating right and left rudder inputs. However, the airplane ground looped to the left, and the right main landing gear collapsed. During the ground loop, the right wing struck the ground, which resulted in substantial damage to the right wing and aileron.

The pilot reported that, at the time of the accident, he was landing the airplane on runway 1 with a west-northwest wind at 10 knots, gusting to 19 knots.

According to the pilot, there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR26LA200 for the full record.