N378XMaule M-5-210C · 1976

The pilot was departing from a dry, paved runway in a tailwheel-equipped airplane, which required a correction for a 5 knot, right crosswind. The pilot said that during the takeoff roll the airplane began to veer to the left, and he applied right rudder to correct the veer, but the airplane subsequently ground-looped to the left. The right main landing gear collapsed, and the right wing and right horizontal stabilizer struck the ground. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the right wing, right horizontal stabilizer and fuselage. The pilot indicated that there were no preaccident mechanical problems with the airplane. The pilot elected not to complete and submit an NTSB form 6120.1 as requested.

The pilot-rated student had recently returned to flying after a long absence, and he hired a flight instructor to assist him in becoming familiar/proficient with a recently purchased tailwheel-equipped airplane. Although not proficient, the pilot did possess a current tailwheel endorsement. During landing, the pilot said he over corrected, and the airplane ground-looped, sustaining substantial damage to the left aileron.

The instructor involved in the accident, said he had been asked to sit in during the absence of the pilot's primary instructor, and he overestimated the pilot's ability and did not take control of the airplane.

Neither pilot reported any preaccident mechanical problems with the airplane.