# NTSB FTW97LA205: Maule M-4-220C, N9865M, Englewood, CO, May 25, 1997 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report - Date: May 25, 1997, 10:36 local (16:36 UTC) - Place: Englewood, CO - Coordinates: 39.580127, -104.860282 (estimated) - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=39.5801&lon=-104.8603&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Landing](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/550) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Highest injury: No injuries - Injuries: 1 uninjured - Status: Completed, report September 30, 1997 - Report: Approved by Office Director - NTSB case key (mKey): 20231 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=FTW97LA205 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/20231/pdf - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW97LA205 ## Probable cause failure of the pilot to maintain directional control of the airplane during the landing roll. The gusty crosswind condition was a related factor. ## Sequence of events In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf). - Loss of control - on ground/water, landing - roll - weather condition - crosswind (contributing factor) - weather condition - gusts (contributing factor) - directional control - not maintained, pilot in command (cause) - ground loop/swerve - On ground/water encounter with terrain/water, landing - roll ## Analysis The pilot reported that he was advised by the control tower that the winds were from 070 degrees at 10 knots, and that this was confirmed by the ATIS. He was cleared to land on runway 35R. The pilot reported that during the landing roll, a gust of wind was encountered, and the airplane ground looped. Also, the pilot said that neither the control tower nor the ATIS transmission made mention of wind gusts. The pilot estimated the wind was gusting an additional 5 to 10 knots. ## Factual narrative On May 25, 1997, at 1036 mountain daylight time, a Maule M-4-220C, N9865M, was substantially damaged when it collided with terrain during landing at Englewood, Colorado. The private pilot, the sole occupant, was not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and a VFR flight plan had been filed for the personal flight conducted under Title 14 CFR Part 91. The flight originated at Albuquerque, New Mexico, approximately 0755. According to the pilot's accident report, control tower personnel advised, and was confirmed by ATIS (automatic terminal information service) that the winds were from 070 degrees at 10 knots. The pilot was then "cleared to land, runway 35R, number two, following a Beech jet on a two mile final, caution wake turbulence." The landing was uneventful. He said that during the landing roll, "a strong gust of wind from the right" caused the airplane to ground loop. The pilot was able to maintain aileron control and kept the right wing down, but he had insufficient rudder to maintain directional control. The pilot said neither ATIS nor the control tower made mention of wind gusts. According to Centennial Airport's Automated Weather Observation Station (AWOS), winds recorded 4 minutes after the accident were 010 degrees at 8 knots. ## Aircraft - Registration: [N9865M](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N9865M), registered now, S/N 2003C (OpenAirDocs) - Reported make and model: Maule M-4-220C - Registry model: [Maule M-4-220C](https://openairdocs.org/model/maule-m-4-220c) (registry code 5460114) (OpenAirDocs) - Registry engine: [Franklin 6V 350 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/franklin-6v-350-series) (registry code 27043, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs) - Category: Airplane - Serial number: 2003C - Airframe hours: 2677 - Engines: Franklin 6A-350-C1 220 horsepower reciprocating - Damage: Substantial damage - Flight: Personal, Part 91 - Registered owner: Robert C. Bryant - Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal - Last inspection: Annual, July 26, 1996, 167 hours before - Departed: 4AC, ALBUQUERQUE, NM - Destination: APA - Flight plan: VFR - Airport: APA, Centennial, runway 35R, 10,001 × 100 ft, asphalt ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Pilot; age 68; private; airplane ratings: single-engine sea, single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; flight hours: 1,030 total, 280 in this make and model, 971 as pilot in command, 41 in the last 90 days, 8 in the last 30 days, 8 in the last 24 hours ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day - Wind: 10° at 8 knots - Visibility: 50 statute miles - Lowest ceiling: 6,000 ft broken - Temperature: 61 °F, dew point 41 °F - Altimeter: 29.00 inHg - Observed at: APA ## 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 19970525048019A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19970525048019A), May 25, 1997: Maule M4220C, Englewood, CO, Substantial damage. (-16) Airmen competency on cross wind landings is questionable. ## Other investigations on N9865M (3) 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. - [NTSB MIA73FKJ54](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA73FKJ54), May 9, 1973: Maule M4-220 (N9865M), Tuskegee, AL, substantial damage - [NTSB MIA73DLD59](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA73DLD59), Mar 3, 1973: Maule M4220C (N9865M), Lakeland, FL, substantial damage - [NTSB MIA71FLD06](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA71FLD06), Jul 30, 1970: Maule M-4 (N9865M), Brandon, FL, substantial damage 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. --- OpenAirDocs.org is an independent research project of [Contrail Labs](https://contraillabs.com/). It is not affiliated with the FAA or the NTSB. Source documents are U.S. government works in the public domain.