LAX99LA045

Factual narrative

On November 27, 1998, at 1725 hours Pacific standard time, a Maule M-5-235C, N5636M, ground looped on landing at the Inyokern, California, airport. The aircraft sustained substantial damage, and the private pilot and four passengers, the sole occupants, were not injured. The personal flight, conducted under the provisions of 14 CFR Part 91, originated at the California City Airport at 1645, and was terminating at the time of the accident. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed. The pilot reported that after landing "a little fast" on runway 33, the aircraft spun to the right. The right wing tip impacted the terrain and the landing gear collapsed. The pilot reported that the winds were calm at the time of the accident. The pilot further reported that he had approximately 27 hours in tail wheel aircraft, as well as in the specific make and model. A Federal Aviation Administration inspector examined the pilot's logbook and reported that he had a tail wheel endorsement from the aircraft owner. The pilot said he landed 'a little fast' on the runway and the aircraft ground looped. The right wing tip impacted the terrain and the landing gear collapsed. The pilot reported that the winds were calm at the time of the accident. The pilot further reported that he had approximately 27 hours in tail wheel aircraft, all in this specific make and model. Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database (Pre-2008 Archive) Retrieved: 2026-02-12