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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

NTSB Reports is an independent research and search tool for public aviation accident and incident records. It brings NTSB aviation reports, structured fields, docket files, extracted figures, photos, videos, and update history into one searchable interface.

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NTSB Report

December 21, 1996 · Maule M-5 · N56391

Levant, ME

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
December 21, 1996
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Levant, ME
Aircraft
Maule M-5
Tail Number
N56391
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
NYC97LA034

The pilot/owner departed from his private airstrip and flew a local flight. When he returned to land at his airstrip, he encountered a left crosswind, while landing to the north, and the airplane drifted right of the runway. The pilot then attempted a go-around, and the airplane struck trees. The pilot stated that he did not encounter any malfunctions of the airplane. Examination of the airplane revealed no preimpact failure of the airframe or engine. An airport 10 miles from the accident site reported the winds to be from 290 degrees at 16 knots.

NTSB Probable Cause

the pilot's inadequate compensation for wind conditions, and his failure to maintain clearance from tree(s) during an attempted go-around. The crosswind and proximity of tree(s) were related factors.

Full Narrative

On December 21, 1996, at 1100 eastern standard time, a Maule M-5, N56391, was substantially damaged during a go-around at a private airstrip, Levant, Maine. The certificated private pilot was not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the personal flight that originated at the private strip. No flight plan had been filed for the flight conducted under 14 CFR Part 91. In the NTSB Form 6120.1/2, the pilot/owner of the airplane and airstrip stated: "While attempting to land, gusting cross wind blew airplane off runway; attempting a go-around airplane was blown into pine tree." In the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Inspector's report, he stated the pilot attempted a northerly landing at his private airstrip, when a left cross wind caused the airplane to drift to the right of the runway. The pilot attempted a go-around, and the airplane struck trees. The pilot stated to the FAA Inspector that he did not encounter any malfunction of the airplane. Examination of the airplane by the FAA Inspector revealed no preimpact failure of the airframe or engine. An airport 10 miles from the accident site reported the winds to be from 290 degrees at 16 knots.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time11:00 EST
Nearest AirportGriffin Field (0nm)
Runway3
Runway Length2500 ft
Runway Width100 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftMaule M-5
Tail NumberN56391
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-540-J1A5D · Reciprocating · 235
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 60 · Third Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind290° @ 16 kt
Visibility7 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point37 C / 0 C
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time15:53
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data