NTSB Factual Report

On March 15, 2002, at 1320 Pacific standard time, a Maule M-7-260, N7ZF, ground looped during landing at Siskiyou County Airport, Montague, California. The commercial certificated pilot, the sole occupant, was not injured; the airplane was substantially damaged. The personal flight was operated by the owner under 14 CFR Part 91 and departed from Montague-Yreka Rohrer Airport at 1245. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan had been filed.

According to the pilot, he entered the traffic pattern for a landing on runway 17. He said the approach was normal, in the slot, and stabilized with no drift correction. The landing was three point, on the runway numbers, with no apparent adverse wind conditions or turbulence. The airplane rolled out straight ahead for approximately 200 feet, then commenced an immediate uncommanded left turn, which was not correctable with brake or rudder, and a ground loop resulted.

The pilot reported that he accident could have been prevented by deactivation of the parking brake system, which he suspects was the reason why the airplane swerved during the landing. According to the pilot, as he learned from a maintenance facility, the deactivation could be done by "two separate and distinct brake pedal checks during landing checklist run, to check for hard pedal or pedals." He also stated that the ground loop was not pilot induced, nor was it likely that it was caused by erratic winds or gusts.

The reported winds at the airport, about the time of the accident, were from 310 degrees at 5 knots.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's inadequate compensation for the crosswind condition and failure to maintain directional control.