# NTSB FTW85LA190: Maule M-5-180C, N5655N, Junction, TX, April 19, 1985

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: April 19, 1985, 14:15 local (20:15 UTC)
- Place: Junction, TX
- Coordinates: 30.479496, -99.769889 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=30.4795&lon=-99.7699&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Landing](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/550) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 3 uninjured
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 21727
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=FTW85LA190
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/21727/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW85LA190

## Sequence of events

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

- Airframe/component/system failure/malfunction, landing - roll
  - landing gear,tailwheel assembly - vibration (cause)
  - landing gear,tailwheel assembly - loose (cause)
  - maintenance,inspection - inadequate, company maintenance personnel (cause)
  - aircraft preflight - inadequate, pilot in command (contributing factor)
- On ground/water encounter with terrain/water, landing - roll
  - terrain condition - runway (contributing factor)

## Analysis

AFTER NORMAL APCH AND LANDING THE ACFT BEGAN VIBRATING WHEN THE TAILWHEEL TOUCHED DOWN. THE ACFT BECAME UNCONTROLLABLE AS THE AIRSPEED DECREASED BELOW 30 KTS. RESULTING IN A GROUND LOOP AND DRAGGING OF A WING TIP. INVESTIGATION REVEALED THAT THE TAILWHEEL RETENTION ASS'Y WAS LOOSE. THE PLT HAD NOTICED THE ACFT WAS HARD TO TURN DURING TAXI PRIOR TO TAKEOFF AND HE ADDED AIR TO THE TIRE. NO OTHER DISCREPANCIES WERE NOTED ON THE (TAILWHEEL) ASS'Y AND IT OPERATED NORMALLY WHEN IT WAS TIGHTENED.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N5655N](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N5655N-1988-09-06), registration cancelled 1988-09-06, S/N 8048C (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: MAULE M-5-180C
- Registry model: [Maule M-5-180C](https://openairdocs.org/model/maule-m-5-180c) (registry code 5460204) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 8048C
- Airframe hours: 200
- Engines: LYCOMING O-360-C1F 180 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Rays Flying Service
- Registered owner: C. . Sage, Jr.
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Utility
- Departed: T17, HOUSTON, TX
- Airport: JCT, Kimble County, runway 17, 3,300 × 95 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 31; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land, multi-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 4,520 total, 13 in this make and model, 4,500 as pilot in command, 66 in the last 90 days, 1 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 350° at 5 knots
- Visibility: 15 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none

## 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 19850419013729A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19850419013729A), Apr 19, 1985: Maule M5180C, Junction, TX, Substantial damage. Aircraft veered after touchdown and wingtip struck ground. Tailwheel was cocked sideways. Retention assembly loose.

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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