NTSB Reports: June 2017

While on the base leg for his private grass airstrip, the pilot noticed he was high, so he added flaps to increase his descent rate. On final, the airspeed was a little fast and during the landing, he flared the airplane a little high. After touchdown, the pilot applied the brakes, but the airplane did not respond, so he applied a little more brake. The airplane nosed over and came to rest inverted, sustaining substantial damage to both wings and the empennage. The pilot reported he should have performed a go-around instead of attempting to salvage the landing.

Editorial Staff

Wednesday, May 17, 2017 at 12:00 AM ET

Verified

Key Takeaways:

Pilot decision-making errors, such as failing to execute a go-around, neglecting checklists, or operating outside personal limitations, contributed to several accidents.
Mechanical failures, including engine loss and landing gear malfunctions, were frequent causes of forced landings, gear-up landings, and ditching incidents.
Adverse weather conditions like gusty winds and severe precipitation played a significant role in incidents involving loss of control, in-flight breakups, and challenging landing scenarios.

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March 1, 2017, Live Oak, Calif.
Maule MX-7-180A

While on the base leg for his private grass airstrip, the pilot noticed he was high, so he added flaps to increase his descent rate. On final, the airspeed was a little fast and during the landing, he flared the airplane “a little high.” After touchdown, the pilot applied the brakes, but the airplane did not respond, so he applied “a little more brake.” The airplane nosed over and came to rest inverted, sustaining substantial damage to both wings and the empennage. The pilot reported he should have performed a go-around instead of attempting to “salvage the landing.”