N9804M

On September 14, 1997, at 1728 Alaska daylight time, a tailwheel equipped Maule M4-210 airplane, N9804M, sustained substantial damage when it ground looped during landing at the Bethel Airport, Bethel, Alaska. The private certificated pilot, and the one passenger aboard were uninjured. The airplane was owned and operated by Daniel M. Picazo, of Bethel, Alaska. The flight was conducted under 14 CFR Part 91, as a personal flight, and had originated from Canyon Creek strip at 1630. Instrument meteorological conditions of 800 foot broken ceilings, 1 1/2 miles visibility in light rain, prevailed at the time of the accident.

The airplane had been issued a Special VFR clearance to enter the Class D airspace and land on runway 18. Winds were 190 degrees at 8 knots. Runway 18 is asphalt covered, and is 6,398 feet long by 150 feet wide. The runway was wet at the time of the accident.

The pilot stated that he had just landed, and was abeam taxiway Bravo when requested by the tower controller to clear the runway at Bravo. He stated that he should have continued rolling to the next intersection, but instead quickly applied brakes to stop. Directional control was lost, the airplane yawed 360 degrees to the right, and the left wing contacted the ground.