NYC97LA034

Factual 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. 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. Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database (Pre-2008 Archive) Retrieved: 2026-02-12