Maule M-5-235C Lunar Rocket, N12BE: Accident occurred March 01, 2016 in Wasilla, Alaska

http://registry.faa.gov/N12BE

FAA Flight Standards District Office: FAA Anchorage FSDO-03

NTSB Identification: GAA16CA142
14 CFR Part 91: General Aviation
Accident occurred Tuesday, March 01, 2016 in Wasilla, AK
Probable Cause Approval Date: 05/03/2016
Aircraft: MAULE M5, registration: N12BE
Injuries: 1 Uninjured.

NTSB investigators used data provided by various entities, including, but not limited to, the Federal Aviation Administration and/or the operator and did not travel in support of this investigation to prepare this aircraft accident report.

The student pilot and his flight instructor conducted 6 takeoffs and landings in the tailwheel-equipped airplane. The student pilot then took off solo, flew in the traffic pattern, and during the landing he reported that as soon as my wheels hit the pavement it jerked hard to the right. The student pilot attempted to "straighten it out" but he reported that the airplane was going too fast so he applied power and attempted to take off. He then stated that the airplane "jumped me to the right of the runway," the airplane departed the runway to the right, the propeller impacted terrain, and the main landing gear collapsed under the fuselage. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the two right wing lift struts. 

The student pilot verified that there were no preimpact mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airframe or engine that would have precluded normal operation.

As a safety recommendation, the student pilot stated "more practice" and "land on gravel."

The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident as follows:
The student pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the landing, which resulted in a runway excursion, and an impact with terrain.