# NTSB CHI97LA019: Maule MX-7-235, N56593, Hubbard Lake, MI, November 3, 1996

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: November 3, 1996, 12:21 local (17:21 UTC)
- Place: Hubbard Lake, MI
- Coordinates: 44.799503, -83.590461 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=44.7995&lon=-83.5905&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Landing](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/550) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 2 minor
- Status: Completed, report June 30, 1997
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 10487
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=CHI97LA019
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/10487/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI97LA019

## Probable cause

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.

## Sequence of events

In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf).

- In flight collision with object, landing - aborted
  - weather condition - crosswind (contributing factor)
  - compensation for wind conditions - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
  - object - tree(s) (contributing factor)
  - proper alignment - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

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.

## Factual narrative

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.

## Aircraft

- Registration: N56593 (not matched to a registry record)
- Reported make and model: Maule MX-7-235
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 10011C
- Airframe hours: 700
- Engines: Lycoming IO-540-W1A5D 235 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Thomas A. Faulkner
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, July 25, 1996, 14 hours before
- Departed: C20, BERRIEN SPRINGS, MI
- Destination: 1MI8
- Airport: 1MI8, Hubbard Lake, runway 36, 1,400 × 100 ft, grass/turf

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 55; private; airplane ratings: multi-engine land, single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; flight hours: 665 total, 31 in this make and model, 665 as pilot in command, 17 in the last 90 days, 3 in the last 30 days, 2 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 250° at 10 knots
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 3,800 ft overcast
- Temperature: 36 °F, dew point 27 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: KAP, 18 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 19961103034729A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19961103034729A), Nov 3, 1996: Maule MX7235, Hubbard, MI, Substantial damage. Aircraft encountered low level windshear on approach, flipped over and crashed. (.4)the pilot initiated a landing at a private airstrip. A witness reported…

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.

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