Primary finding
Probable cause
failure of the pilot to maintain directional control of the airplane during the landing roll, which resulted in an inadvertent ground swerve. The unfavorable wind condition was a related factor.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot indicated that he accomplished a normal landing, and the airplane was rolling out on the runway at approximately 40 to 45 miles per hour. He said the airplane encountered a crosswind from the left, the left wing lifted, and the airplane turned right. The airplane then rolled off the right shoulder of the runway, struck some bushes, and nose over.
Source record
Factual narrative
On March 7, 1996, at 1745 hours Pacific standard time, a Maule M-6-235, N5652C, nosed over after losing control and colliding with vegetation off the right shoulder of runway 30 during the landing roll at the Bishop, California, airport. The aircraft was substantially damaged and the certificated private pilot was not injured. The aircraft was being operated by the pilot as a personal flight when the accident occurred. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed. The pilot indicated he accomplished a normal landing and was rolling out on the runway approximately 40- to 45-miles per hour. The pilot indicated he encountered a crosswind from the left. The airplane's left wing lifted and the airplane turned right. The airplane then rolled off the right shoulder of the runway and struck some bushes. The pilot described the vegetation during a telephone interview as being as big as a desk, with multiple branches, with a diameter at the base as big as his fingers. The pilot indicated the bushes were within 50 feet of the runway edge. According to the Bishop Airport Manager, the vegetation is about 75 feet from the runway center line outside the lateral limits of the runway safety area. -