Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilots improper compensation for the wind conditions. A factor was the crosswind
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The airplane was observed during the approach at approximately 50 feet above the ground to be flying back and forth across the approach path. At approximately ten feet above the ground, witnesses stated that the pilot added full power to abort the landing. The airplane made a left turn, climbed approximately 25 feet, and impacted trees and terrain with a left wing and nose down attitude. Winds were reported to be from the southwest gusting to 25 knots
Source record
Factual narrative
On June 29, 1993, at approximately 1520 central daylight time, a Maule MX 7 180, N4UM, sustained substantial damage near Eufaula, Oklahoma, when it impacted trees and terrain following a loss of control in gusting crosswind conditions during the landing go around. The private pilot sustained serious injuries. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the local personal flight. Witnesses reported to the Oklahoma State Park Rangers the following information. The airplane was observed during the approach to runway 18 at Fountainhead Park at approximately 50 feet above the ground to be flying back and forth across the approach path. With the airplane approximately ten feet above the ground, the pilot added full power to abort the landing. The airplane veered to the left with the left wing low. Subsequently during a climbing left turn at approximately 25 feet above the ground, the airplane impacted trees and terrain with a left wing low and nose down attitude. Southwest winds gusting to 25 knots were reported by the witnesses and Park Rangers. The airplane was released to the owner following the investigation. -