# NTSB SEA90LA151: Maule M-4-220C, N40643, Klamath Falls, OR, July 17, 1990

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: July 16, 1990, 20:03 local (Jul 17, 1990, 03:03 UTC)
- Place: Klamath Falls, OR
- Coordinates: 42.159404, -121.680122 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=42.1594&lon=-121.6801&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Landing](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/550) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report December 15, 1992
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 41253
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=SEA90LA151
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/41253/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA90LA151

## Probable cause

PILOT'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN DIRECTIONAL CONTROL DURING THE LANDING ROLL, RESULTING IN A GROUND LOOP. THE PILOT'S LACK OF EXPERIENCE IN THIS MAKE/MODEL WAS A RELATED FACTOR.

## Analysis

THE PILOT OF THE TAILWHEEL EQUIPPED AIRCRAFT LOST DIRECTIONAL CONTROL AFTER LANDING, WHICH RESULTED IN A GROUND LOOP.

## 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
  - directional control - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
  - ground loop/swerve
  - lack of total experience in type of aircraft, pilot in command (contributing factor)

## Aircraft

- Registration: N40643 (not matched to a registry record)
- Reported make and model: MAULE M-4-220C
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 2159C
- Engines: FRANKLIN GA-350-C1 220 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Jeko Aviation
- Airport: LMT, Klamath Falls, runway 32, 10,301 × 150 ft, concrete

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 28; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; flight hours: 370 total, 1 in this make and model, 312 as pilot in command, 70 in the last 90 days, 26 in the last 30 days, 1 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 320° at 10 knots
- Visibility: 25 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 10,000 ft broken
- Temperature: -0 °F, dew point -0 °F
- Observed at: LMT

## 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 19900716037169A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19900716037169A), Jul 16, 1990: Maule M4220C, Klamath Falls, OR, Substantial damage. Lost directional control of the tail wheel aircraft on the landing roll and ground looped.

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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