NTSB Factual Report

On July 6, 2001, approximately 1400 mountain daylight time, a Maule M-5-210C, N349X, registered to and operated by the private pilot as a 14 CFR Part 91 personal flight, collided with an irrigation pipe and subsequently the ground during landing at Big Creek, Idaho. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time and a visual flight rules flight plan was filed. The airplane was substantially damaged and the private pilot and his two passengers were not injured. The flight originated from Nampa, Idaho, at an unknown time.

The pilot reported to a Federal Aviation Administration Inspector that during the landing to the south with a gusting cross wind, the airplane weathervaned into the wind and veered off the airstrip. The right wing made contact with the ground and the tail collided with an irrigation pipe. The pilot reported that the wind was from the south at 20 knots, gusting to 30.

The Idaho Airport Facilities Directory reports that the Big Creek airstrip is 3,550 feet long by 110 feet wide. The surface is turf and the elevation is 5,743 feet mean sea level. The remarks section states, "Recommend land rwy 19, take off rwy 01 when wind permits. Pilots should be experienced in high density altitude and turbulent air. Be alert for sprinklers on rwy."

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's failure to adequately compensate for the wind conditions during the landing roll. High and gusting winds were factors.