NTSB Factual Report

On June 20, 2002 about 1758 eastern daylight time, a Maule M-7-235C, N4258Y, owned by McCord Aviation Inc., and operated by an individual, burned after landing, at the West Georgia Regional Airport (CTJ), Carrollton, Georgia. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time and no flight plan was filed for the 14 CFR Part 91personal flight. The airplane was substantially damaged. The commercial-rated pilot reported no injuries. The flight had originated from Moultrie, Georgia, at 1630.

According to the pilot's statement, about 15nm south of the airport, he monitored the airport's AWOS (Automated Weather Observation System), and determined that the local winds were "8kts at 100 degrees, and determined that runway 16 was in use. He said, on final approach he "compensated for the crosswind" and attempted a landing. As the airplane dropped below the treetops the "crosswind subsided somewhat and...just as I was flaring, the quartering crosswind...gusted slightly and I apparently did not adequately compensate." After touching down and "...bouncing a couple of times the aircraft floated and drifted to the right with the nose at a fairly high attitude." He attempted to abort the landing by adding "full power." He was not sure if one wheel touched or if the airplane "...weathervaned, but I found myself suddenly at about a 40 degree angle to the left of the runway track...it may be that I did not apply enough right rudder for the power increase and/or did not keep my left aileron low enough to keep the gust from lifting the wing. I suspect that fatigue may have also been a factor in my inadequate reaction." With full power applied, he attempted to fly the airplane off the field by "…starting a bank to the right to avoid the trees at the east edge of the field. I believe that my right wing tip touched the ground and spun the craft around to the right where I impacted hard into a low embankment." When the airplane came to a stop smoke was coming from the engine compartment. He shut off the fuel, and exited the cockpit. The engine burst into flame as he was exiting. The fire department arrived and contained the fire after the airplane was completely destroyed. The pilot was given an NTSB Pilot/Operator Accident Report Form 6120.1/2, he submitted a statement, but a completed form was not received.

NTSB Probable Cause

the pilot's inadequate compensation for wind and his failure to maintain aircraft control.