# NTSB LAX08CA194: Maule MX-7-180A, N1993F, Angwin, CA, June 21, 2008 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report - Date: June 21, 2008, 10:00 local (17:00 UTC) - Place: Angwin, CA - Coordinates: 38.567779, -122.433334 - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=38.5678&lon=-122.4333&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Takeoff](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/300) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Defining event: [Takeoff: Loss of control on ground](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/230) - Highest injury: No injuries - Injuries: 2 uninjured - Status: Completed, report July 30, 2008 - Report: Approved by Office Director - Parties: Federal Aviation Administration - NTSB case key (mKey): 68315 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX08CA194 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/68315/pdf - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX08CA194 ## Probable cause The pilot's inadequate compensation for the crosswind condition and failure to maintain directional control. ## Findings NTSB's coded findings; those marked are part of the probable cause. - [Wind: crosswind](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03034040): Environmental issues › Conditions/weather/phenomena · Not specified; cases with it: [Maule MX-7-180A, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03034040/cases.md?model=5460186), [All aircraft, 1,008 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03034040/cases.md) - [Performance/control parameters: crosswind correction](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01062030): Aircraft › Aircraft oper/perf/capability · Not attained/maintained (probable cause); cases with it: [Maule MX-7-180A, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01062030/cases.md?model=5460186), [All aircraft, 184 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01062030/cases.md) - [Performance/control parameters: directional control](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01062020): Aircraft › Aircraft oper/perf/capability · Not attained/maintained (probable cause); cases with it: [Maule MX-7-180A, 7 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01062020/cases.md?model=5460186), [All aircraft, 3,958 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01062020/cases.md) - [Object/animal/substance: fence/fence post](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03022047): Environmental issues › Physical environment · Not specified; cases with it: [Maule MX-7-180A, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03022047/cases.md?model=5460186), [All aircraft, 313 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03022047/cases.md) - [Object/animal/substance: pole](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03022010): Environmental issues › Physical environment · Not specified; cases with it: [Maule MX-7-180A, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03022010/cases.md?model=5460186), [All aircraft, 142 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03022010/cases.md) ## Sequence of events The events NTSB coded, in order, by phase of flight. The defining event best describes what happened. - [Takeoff: Loss of control on ground](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/230) (defining event); cases with it: [Maule MX-7-180A, 9 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/230/sequence.md?model=5460186), [All aircraft, 4,585 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/230/sequence.md) - [Takeoff-rejected takeoff: Collision with terr/obj (non-CFIT) ](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/470); cases with it: [Maule MX-7-180A, 4 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/470/sequence.md?model=5460186), [All aircraft, 10,189 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/470/sequence.md) ## Analysis The pilot lost directional control during the initial takeoff roll on runway 34 in a tailwheel-equipped airplane. He lifted the tail, and the airplane turned sharply to the left. He applied right rudder and braking, left aileron control deflection, and reduced the throttle to idle; however, directional control was not regained. The airplane departed the left side of the runway and struck a pole. The left wing contacted the ground, and the airplane slid into a cattle fence, causing substantial damage to the fuselage. The pilot reported that there were no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airframe or engine. He added that the winds were from 290 degrees at 7 miles per hour. ## Factual narrative The pilot reported that he was taking off on runway 34 in a tailwheel equipped airplane. He lifted the tail during the roll, and shortly thereafter, the airplane turned sharply to the left. The pilot applied right rudder and left aileron control deflection, then applied right brake and reduced the throttle to idle. The airplane departed the left side of the runway and struck a midfield windsock pole, damaging the left gear. The left wing contacted the ground and the airplane slid into a cattle fence, causing substantial damage to the fuselage. The pilot reported that there were no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airframe or engine. He added that the winds were from 290 degrees at 7 miles per hour. In the section titled RECOMMENDATION (How could this accident have been prevented) of the pilot's written report (NTSB Pilot/Operator Report, Form 6120.1), the pilot stated that he could have kept the tail on the ground longer for better directional control. He also thought that he could have departed from runway 16 with a slight tailwind, but with a right crosswind to counteract left turning tendencies. ## Aircraft - Registration: [N1993F](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N1993F-2023-03-06), registration cancelled 2023-03-06, S/N 20003C (OpenAirDocs) - Reported make and model: Maule MX-7-180A - Registry model: [Maule MX-7-180A](https://openairdocs.org/model/maule-mx-7-180a) (registry code 5460186) (OpenAirDocs) - Registry engine: [Lycoming O&VO-360 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-o-vo-360-series) (registry code 41514, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs) - Category: Airplane - Serial number: 20003C - Airframe hours: 1264.4 - Engines: Lycoming O-360 180 horsepower reciprocating - Damage: Substantial damage - Flight: Personal, Part 91 - Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal - Last inspection: Annual, March 1, 2008 - Departed: 2O3, ANGWIN, CA - Airport: 2O3, Virgil O Parrett Field, runway 34, 3,217 × 50 ft, asphalt ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Pilot; age 47; injuries: none; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3; last flight review December 1, 2007; seat: left; flight hours: 149 total, 103 in this make and model, 44 in the last 90 days, 8 in the last 30 days ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day - Wind: calm - Visibility: 10 statute miles - Lowest ceiling: none - Temperature: 84 °F, dew point 39 °F - Altimeter: 29.93 inHg - Observed at: ksts, 18 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 20080621834469A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20080621834469A), Jun 21, 2008: Maule MX7180A, Angwin, CA, Substantial damage. (-23) Pilot reported "June 21, 2008 at 1000 at parret field (2O3) in Angwin CA, winds from 290 at 7 mph on runway 34. Acceleration was good and the tail was… 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.