# NTSB ATL97LA051: Maule MXT-7, N97SS, Hampton, GA, March 22, 1997 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report - Date: March 22, 1997, 10:40 local (15:40 UTC) - Place: Hampton, GA - Coordinates: 33.380512, -84.280845 (estimated) - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=33.3805&lon=-84.2808&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Landing](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/550) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Highest injury: No injuries - Injuries: 2 uninjured - Status: Completed, report December 15, 1997 - Report: Approved by Office Director - NTSB case key (mKey): 3832 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ATL97LA051 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/3832/pdf - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL97LA051 ## Probable cause inadequate compensation for the wind conditions by the pilot, and his failure to maintain directional control of the airplane. The crosswind, the pilot's lack of experience in crosswind conditions, and the proximity of trees were related factors. ## Sequence of events In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf). - Loss of control - in flight, landing - weather condition - crosswind (contributing factor) - compensation for wind conditions - inadequate, pilot in command (cause) - directional control - not maintained, pilot in command (cause) - lack of experience, pilot in command (contributing factor) - In flight collision with object, landing - object - tree(s) (contributing factor) - In flight collision with terrain/water, landing ## Analysis According to the pilot, he was landing on runway 24 when a gust of wind blew the airplane to the south of the runway and over the parallel taxiway. He attempted to land on the taxiway, but was buffeted by additional gusts that blew the airplane into trees south of the taxiway. Winds at the nearest reporting facility, Peachtree City, Georgia, were reported as 330 degrees at 8 knots with gusts to 15 knots. The pilot reported these same winds and moderate to severe turbulence. The wind velocity increased following the flight's departure, according to an FAA inspector, who visited the accident site. The pilot reported that he had about 31 flight hours in this make and model and that the airplane had about 22 hours of flight time, since manufacture. Investigation did not reveal a malfunction of the airframe or powerplant. ## Factual narrative On March 22, 1997, about 1040 eastern standard time, a Maule MXT7, N97SS, collided with trees during landing at the Clayton County Airport, Tara Field, Hampton, Georgia. The airplane was operated by the pilot under the provisions of Title 14 CFR Part 91, and visual flight rules. A flight plan was not filed for the local, personal flight. There were no injuries to the private pilot nor his passenger, and the airplane was substantially damaged. Origination of the flight was Hampton, Georgia, about 1000 on the same day. According to the pilot, he was landing on runway 24 when a gust of wind blew the airplane to the south of the runway, and over the parallel taxiway. He attempted to land on the taxiway and was buffeted by additional gusts that blew the airplane into trees south of the taxiway. The pilot reported this gust to be extremely strong, one that he has not experienced before. The FAA reported the pilot stated "he was unable to control the aircraft, during a landing attempt, due to cross winds." According to the FAA, the on scene investigation did not reveal a malfunction of the airframe or powerplant. According to the pilot, examination of the wreckage revealed damage to the right side of the fuselage, the right main gear bent, the right wing bent aft, and damage to the top of the airplane, where it was impacted by a tree. Winds at the nearest reporting facility, Peachtree City, Georgia, were reported as 330 degrees at 8 knots with gusts to 15 knots. A weather briefing was obtained about 0800 from the automated flight service station. The wind velocity increased following the flight's departure, according to the FAA inspector who visited the accident site. The pilot stated that he obtained a weather brief from the Macon Service Station, at 0930 the morning of the accident, via the telephone. The pilot reported the weather as unlimited visibility, temperature 55 degrees Fahrenheit, sky clear, winds 330 at 8 knots with gusts to 15 knots. The pilot classified turbulence as moderate to severe. The pilot reported that he had about 132 total flight hours, with approximately 31 flight hours in this make and model, and the airplane had about 22 hours since manufacture. ## Aircraft - Registration: [N97SS](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N97SS-2013-08-08), registration cancelled 2013-08-08, S/N 21014C, built 1997 (OpenAirDocs) - Reported make and model: Maule MXT-7 - Registry model: [Maule MXT-7-180A](https://openairdocs.org/model/maule-mxt-7-180a) (registry code 5460187) (OpenAirDocs) - Registry engine: [Lycoming O&VO-360 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-o-vo-360-series) (registry code 41514, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs) - Category: Airplane - Serial number: 21014C - Airframe hours: 22 - Engines: Lycoming O-360-C4F 180 horsepower reciprocating - Damage: Substantial damage - Flight: Personal, Part 91 - Registered owner: Morris W. Shelnutt - Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal - Departed: 4A7 - Airport: 4A7, Clayton County, runway 24, 4,503 × 75 ft, asphalt ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Pilot; age 51; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 132 total, 31 in this make and model, 74 as pilot in command, 42 in the last 90 days, 18 in the last 30 days, 1 in the last 24 hours ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day - Wind: 330° at 8 knots, gusting 15 - Visibility: 10 statute miles - Lowest ceiling: none - Temperature: 72 °F, dew point 36 °F - Altimeter: 29.00 inHg - Observed at: FFC, 12 nm away ## FAA reports on this event (1) The FAA's own accident and incident reports, matched to the aircraft by N-number and date (OpenAirDocs). - [Accident 19970322003459A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19970322003459A), Mar 22, 1997: Maule MXT7180, Hampton, GA, Substantial damage. Gusty crosswind landing allowed plane to drift off runway into trees. Near peak crosswind component. Lack of skill. (-23) pilot reported a crosswind gust at… From the NTSB's public API. Aircraft are matched to registry aircraft by N-number and event date, checked against the reported serial number, make and model; the registry's history has gaps, so older matches can be wrong. Compare the reported make and model. --- OpenAirDocs.org is an independent research project of [Contrail Labs](https://contraillabs.com/). It is not affiliated with the FAA or the NTSB. Source documents are U.S. government works in the public domain.