Loss of Control in Flight: Maule M-7-235C, N427LS, accident occurred May 19, 2018 at Burnet Municipal Airport (KBMQ), Texas

Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Lubbock, Texas

Aviation Accident Final Report - National Transportation Safety Board:  https://app.ntsb.gov/pdf

Investigation Docket - National Transportation Safety Board: https://dms.ntsb.gov/pubdms

Aviation Accident Data Summary - National Transportation Safety Board: https://app.ntsb.gov/pdf

http://registry.faa.gov/N427LS

Location: Burnet, TX
Accident Number: GAA18CA287
Date & Time: 05/19/2018, 1130 CST
Registration: N427LS
Aircraft: MAULE M 7
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Defining Event: Loss of control in flight
Injuries: 2 None
Flight Conducted Under:  Part 91: General Aviation - Personal 

Analysis 

According to the pilot in the tailwheel-equipped airplane, he attempted a three-point landing with 48° of flaps applied in a strong, left crosswind. He reported that, after landing, the airplane lifted off again, and the left wing lifted. The pilot applied aileron and rudder inputs to counter the left crosswind, but the inputs were ineffective due to the airplane's low airspeed. He applied power to fly out of the gusting left crosswind condition, but the airplane veered right, the right wing struck the ground, and the airplane cartwheeled.

The airplane sustained substantial damage to the engine mounts, both wings, and the aft fuselage.

The METAR at the accident airport reported, about the time of the accident, wind from 160° at 12 knots, gusting to 25 knots. The highest wind reported during the observation period was from 190° at 31 knots. The pilot landed the airplane on runway 19.

According to the manufacturer's airplane flight manual, the maximum demonstrated crosswind component was 12 knots, and the flap extension should be limited to 0°. The pilot reported that the accident could have been prevented if he had attempted a wheel landing with less than full flaps.

The pilot reported that there were no mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. 

Probable Cause and Findings

The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident to be:
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during landing in gusting wind conditions and with an incorrect flap configuration.

Findings

Aircraft
Directional control - Not attained/maintained (Cause)
Trailing edge flaps - Incorrect use/operation (Cause)

Personnel issues
Aircraft control - Pilot (Cause)
Use of equip/system - Pilot (Cause)

Environmental issues
Gusts - Effect on operation

Factual Information

History of Flight

Landing-flare/touchdown
Other weather encounter
Loss of control in flight (Defining event)
Attempted remediation/recovery
Collision with terr/obj (non-CFIT)

Pilot Information

Certificate: Commercial
Age: 64, Male
Airplane Rating(s): Multi-engine Land; Single-engine Land
Seat Occupied: Left
Other Aircraft Rating(s): None
Restraint Used: 3-point
Instrument Rating(s): Airplane
Second Pilot Present: No
Instructor Rating(s): None
Toxicology Performed: No
Medical Certification:  Class 3 Without Waivers/Limitations
Last FAA Medical Exam: 05/19/2016
Occupational Pilot: No
Last Flight Review or Equivalent: 07/15/2016
Flight Time:  (Estimated) 2947 hours (Total, all aircraft), 685 hours (Total, this make and model), 2661 hours (Pilot In Command, all aircraft), 37 hours (Last 90 days, all aircraft), 15 hours (Last 30 days, all aircraft)

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: MAULE
Registration: N427LS
Model/Series: M 7 235C
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Year of Manufacture: 2001
Amateur Built: No
Airworthiness Certificate: Normal
Serial Number: 25057C
Landing Gear Type: Tailwheel
Seats: 4
Date/Type of Last Inspection: 09/26/2017, Annual
Certified Max Gross Wt.: 2500 lbs
Time Since Last Inspection:
Engines: 1 Reciprocating
Airframe Total Time: 990 Hours at time of accident
Engine Manufacturer: Lycoming
ELT: C91A installed, not activated
Engine Model/Series: IO-540-W1A5
Registered Owner: On file
Rated Power: 235 hp
Operator: On file
Operating Certificate(s) Held: None

Meteorological Information and Flight Plan

Conditions at Accident Site: Visual Conditions
Condition of Light: Day
Observation Facility, Elevation: KBMQ, 1288 ft msl
Distance from Accident Site: 0 Nautical Miles
Observation Time: 1653 UTC
Direction from Accident Site: 56°
Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear
Visibility:  10 Miles
Lowest Ceiling: None
Visibility (RVR):
Wind Speed/Gusts: 12 knots / 25 knots
Turbulence Type Forecast/Actual: / None
Wind Direction: 160°
Turbulence Severity Forecast/Actual: / N/A
Altimeter Setting: 29.9 inches Hg
Temperature/Dew Point: 27°C / 18°C
Precipitation and Obscuration: No Obscuration; No Precipitation
Departure Point: FREDERICKSBURG, TX (T82)
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Destination: Burnet, TX (BMQ)
Type of Clearance: None
Departure Time: 0930 CST
Type of Airspace: Class G

Airport Information

Airport: BURNET MUNI KATE CRADDOCK FIELD (BMQ)
Runway Surface Type: Asphalt
Airport Elevation: 1284 ft
Runway Surface Condition: Dry
Runway Used: 19
IFR Approach: None
Runway Length/Width: 5000 ft / 75 ft
VFR Approach/Landing: Full Stop; Traffic Pattern

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 1 None
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Passenger Injuries: 1 None
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 2 None
Latitude, Longitude:  30.738889, -98.238611 (est)