HUBBARD LAKE, MI, USA
N56593
Maule MX-7-235
The pilot initiated a landing at a private airstrip. A witness reported that during the landing, he observed the airplane float about 3/4 of the length of the 1,400 foot airstrip before touching down. The pilot then elected to abort the landing. During the initial climb, the airplane drifted to the right and impacted trees and the terrain. About 18 miles north, the 1254 est wind was reported to be from 250 degrees at 10 knots. The direction of landing was to the north.
On November 3, 1996, at 1221 eastern standard time, a Maule MX-7-235, N56593, sustained substantial damage during impact with trees and the terrain while attempting an aborted landing at a private airport near Hubbard Lake, Michigan. The pilot and one passenger received minor injuries. The personal 14 CFR Part 91 flight was operating in visual meteorological conditions. No flight plan was on file. The flight departed Berrien Springs, Michigan at 1030. The pilot stated that he attempted to abort the landing; however, a gust of wind forced the airplane into the trees on the departure end of the runway. A witness told Federal Aviation Administration inspectors that he watched as the airplane floated approximately three-quarters of the length of the runway before touching down. He then watched as the airplane lifted off and near the end of the runway he saw the wing strike a tree on the east side of the runway, followed by impact with the terrain. A weather reporting station, 18 miles to the north of the accident location, 33 minutes after the accident, recorded winds of 10 knots from 250 degrees.
the pilot's inadequate compensation for wind conditions, and failure to maintain proper alignment with the airstreip during the go-around (aborted landing). The crosswind and proximity of trees were related factors.
Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database
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