# NTSB NYC97LA034: Maule M-5, N56391, Levant, ME, December 21, 1996 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report - Date: December 21, 1996, 11:00 local (16:00 UTC) - Place: Levant, ME - Location: 44.8692° N, 68.9348° W: Placed by OpenAirDocs: center of Levant, ME, within about 6 miles (OpenAirDocs) - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=44.8692&lon=-68.9348&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Approach](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/500) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Highest injury: No injuries - Injuries: 1 uninjured - Status: Completed, report June 30, 1997 - Report: Approved by Office Director - NTSB case key (mKey): 39313 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=NYC97LA034 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/39313/pdf - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC97LA034 ## 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. ## Sequence of events In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf). - In flight collision with object, go-around (vfr) - weather condition - crosswind (contributing factor) - compensation for wind conditions - inadequate, pilot in command (cause) - object - tree(s) (contributing factor) - clearance - not maintained, pilot in command (cause) ## Analysis 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. ## 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. ## Aircraft - Registration: [N56391](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N56391), registered now, S/N 7331C, built 1980 (OpenAirDocs) - Reported make and model: Maule M-5 - Registry model: [Maule M-5-235C](https://openairdocs.org/model/maule-m-5-235c) (registry code 5460135) (OpenAirDocs) - Registry engine: [Lycoming 0-540 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-540-series) (registry code 41532, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs) - Category: Airplane - Serial number: 7331C - Airframe hours: 330 - Engines: Lycoming O-540-J1A5D 235 horsepower reciprocating - Damage: Substantial damage - Flight: Personal, Part 91 - Registered owner: Paul F. Griffin - Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal - Last inspection: Annual, March 30, 1996, 22 hours before - Departed: ME35 - Airport: NONE, Griffin Field, runway 3, 2,500 × 100 ft, grass/turf ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Pilot; age 60; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; flight hours: 532 total, 250 in this make and model, 532 as pilot in command, 15 in the last 90 days, 3 in the last 30 days ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day - Wind: 290° at 16 knots - Visibility: 7 statute miles - Lowest ceiling: none - Temperature: 37 °F - Altimeter: 30.00 inHg - Observed at: BGR, 10 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 19961221039729A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19961221039729A), Dec 21, 1996: Maule M5235C, Levant, ME, Substantial damage. Landing blown off runway in gust crosswind. Struck trees on attempted go around. Quartering tailwind existed. 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.