N40318

On May 21, 2005, about 0700 mountain daylight time, a tail wheel equipped Maule M-4-220C, N40318, sustained substantial damage during the landing roll-out at Reed Memorial Airport, Driggs, Idaho. The airplane is registered to South Ford Motor Sports, Inc, and was being operated by the pilot as a visual flight rules (VFR) cross-country flight under the provisions of Title 14 CFR Part 91. The private pilot, and the three passengers aboard the airplane, were not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed for the flight that originated at Rexburg, Idaho, approximately 40 minutes prior to the accident.

In a written statement to the National Transportation Safety Board (IIC), dated May 21, the pilot reported that the approach and wheel landing was normal, but shortly after touchdown the airplane encountered a "slight gust" of wind and veered left of runway centerline. The pilot stated he applied right rudder, however overcorrected and the airplane ground looped to the right. During the ground loop, the left main gear collapsed resulting in substantial damage to the wing assembly.

The pilot reported the winds at the time of the accident were from 170 degrees at 5-10 knots.