Regulatory and Certification Policy

On December 15,1999, at 1516 central standard time, a Maule M7-235, N4AN, ground looped during landing at the Iuka Airport in Iuka, Mississippi. The aircraft was operated by the private pilot under the provisions of Title 14, CFR Part 91, and visual flight rules. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed for the pleasure flight. The pilot was not injured and the airplane sustained substantial damage. The flight originated in Decatur, Alabama, at 1400. According to the pilot, while landing on runway 18, the right rudder pedal went to the floor. The aircraft ground looped and received major structural damage to the fuselage where the right main gear attaches. Examination of the rudder by the FAA found that the rudder cable pulled loose from the nicopress fitting and sleeve. The aircraft tach showed 18.5 hours and the hobbs meter indicated 21.3 hours. The rudder cable and nicopress fitting were removed for further examination.