# NTSB BFO95LA049: Maule M-7-235, N202GT, Mount Sterling, KY, April 21, 1995

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: April 21, 1995, 14:30 local (18:30 UTC)
- Place: Mount Sterling, KY
- Coordinates: 38.059829, -83.939277 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=38.0598&lon=-83.9393&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Landing](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/550) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 3 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report October 19, 1995
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 9043
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=BFO95LA049
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/9043/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/BFO95LA049

## Probable cause

the pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control during landing.  The gusty, crosswind condition and the pilot's inadequate compensation for the wind condition were factors.

## Sequence of events

In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf).

- Dragged wing,rotor,pod,float or tail/skid, landing - flare/touchdown
  - weather condition - crosswind (contributing factor)
  - weather condition - gusts (contributing factor)
  - compensation for wind conditions - inadequate, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - aircraft control - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)

## Analysis

THE PILOT REPORTED THAT HE OVERFLEW THE AIRPORT TO CHECK THE WINDSOCK, AND HE ENTERED THE TRAFFIC PATTERN FOR RUNWAY 21.  THE AIRPLANE TOUCHED DOWN NORMALLY, THEN THE RIGHT WING '...CAME UP ABRUPTLY.'  THE PILOT STATED THAT HE APPLIED RIGHT AILERON, RIGHT RUDDER AND FULL POWER TO COMPENSATE.  THE AIRPLANE VEERED TO THE LEFT AND THE LEFT WING IMPACTED THE GROUND.  THERE WERE SEVERAL WITNESSES WHO REPORTED THAT THE WIND WAS GUSTING TO 20 KNOTS AT THE TIME OF THE ACCIDENT.  THERE WAS NO EVIDENCE NOR CLAIM OF PREIMPACT MECHANICAL MALFUNCTION.

## Factual narrative

On April 21, 1995, at 1430 eastern daylight time, N202GT, a Maule M-7-235, sustained substantial damage when it veered off the runway during the landing roll at Mount Sterling Airport, in Mount Sterling, Kentucky.  The certificated private pilot and the two passengers received minor injuries.  Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and a flight plan was not filed.  The personal flight was conducted under 14 CFR 91 and originated in Danville, Alabama.  The final destination was Jamestown, Ohio.

The pilot reported that he overflew the airport and checked the wind sock before landing.  According to the pilot, during the landing roll the right wing came up abruptly.  He stated that he responded by applying right aileron, right rudder, and full power.  Despite his efforts, the airplane veered off the left side of the runway and ground looped.

According to an FAA Aviation Safety Inspector, witnesses reported that the wind was gusting to 20 knots at the time of the accident.  The FAA Inspector stated he examined the airplane after the accident and there was no evidence of mechanical malfunction.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N202GT](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N202GT), registered now, S/N 4111C (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: MAULE M-7-235
- Registry model: [Maule M-7-235](https://openairdocs.org/model/maule-m-7-235) (registry code 5470208) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming 0-540 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-540-series) (registry code 41532, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 4111C
- Airframe hours: 250
- Engines: LYCOMING O-540-B4B5 235 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Doug Poole
- Registered owner: George B Twente
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, April 14, 1995, 5 hours before
- Departed: PVT, DANVILLE, AL
- Destination: IOB
- Airport: IOB, Mt. Sterling- Montgomery, runway 21, 4,810 × 75 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 49; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; flight hours: 717 total, 92 in this make and model, 615 as pilot in command, 45 in the last 90 days, 28 in the last 30 days, 3 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 240° at 13 knots
- Visibility: 25 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 73 °F, dew point 54 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg
- Observed at: LEX, 30 nm away

## FAA reports on this event (1)

The FAA's own accident and incident reports, matched to the aircraft by N-number and date (OpenAirDocs).

- [Accident 19950421044669A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19950421044669A), Apr 21, 1995: Maule M7235, Mount Sterling, KY, Substantial damage. Wing raised on landing roll. Lost control and ground looped. Failed to handle wind gust.

From the NTSB's public API. Aircraft are matched to registry aircraft by N-number and event date, checked against the reported serial number, make and model; the registry's history has gaps, so older matches can be wrong. Compare the reported make and model.

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