# NTSB MIA87LA055: Maule M-7-235, N151CD, Ocala, FL, December 22, 1986

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: December 22, 1986, 18:20 local (23:20 UTC)
- Place: Ocala, FL
- Location: 29.1719° N, 82.2241° W: Placed by OpenAirDocs at OCALA INTL-JIM TAYLOR FLD (OCF), within about a mile (OpenAirDocs)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=29.1719&lon=-82.2241&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Landing](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/550) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 1 minor
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 31839
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=MIA87LA055
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/31839/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA87LA055

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of control - on ground/water, landing - flare/touchdown
  - weather condition - crosswind (contributing factor)
  - directional control - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
  - ground loop/swerve - performed, pilot in command (cause)
  - remedial action - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
  - overconfidence in personal ability, pilot in command (contributing factor)
- On ground/water encounter with terrain/water, landing - roll

## Analysis

THE ACFT DRAGGED A WING DURING LNDG ACCORDING TO THE PLTS STATEMENT. THE ACFT CAME TO REST BESIDE THE RWY. THE PLT SAID HE LOST CONTROL OF THE ACFT DUE TO A FUEL IMBALANCE. AFTER THE ACCIDENT THE LEFT WING TIP TANK WAS FOUND FULL OF FUEL. ACCORDING TO THE ACFT MANUFACTURER THE ACFT SHOULD HAVE BEEN CONTROLLABLE IF FULL FLAPS HAD NOT BEEN SELECTED FOR THE X-WIND LNDG OR IF THE ACFT HAD BEEN LANDED IN ANOTHER DIRECTION TO PUT THE X-WIND ON THE OPPOSITE SIDE.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N151CD](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N151CD-2012-12-11), registration cancelled 2012-12-11, S/N 4011C, built 1984 (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 IO-540 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-io-540-series) (registry code 41530, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane, amateur-built
- Serial number: 4011C
- Engines: LYCOMING IO-540-W1A5D 235 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Richard Rassmussen
- Departed: X51, HOMESTEAD, FL
- Airport: OCF, Ocala, runway 36, 5,007 × 150 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 32; private; airplane ratings: multi-engine land, single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 915 total, 25 in this make and model

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Night/dark
- Wind: 70° at 12 knots
- Visibility: 2 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 500 ft broken
- Temperature: 54 °F, dew point 48 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: CNV, 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 19861222068649A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19861222068649A), Dec 22, 1986: Maule M7235, Ocala, FL, Destroyed. Pilot lost control of aircraft during landing. Pilot not competent in aircraft and mishandled fuel balance problem.

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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