Casualties unknown

1988-12-25: Maule M-7 (N132HL) — Harrisonville, MO

Harrisonville, MO, US

On December 25, 1988, a Maule M-7 (registration N132HL) was involved in an aviation accident near Harrisonville, MO. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's loss of directional control during a crosswind landing and subsequent loss of control during a go-around maneuver at low altitude and airspeed while attempting to avoid trees. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 1781061362Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot lost directional control during a crosswind landing and initiated a go-around. An attempt to turn at low altitude and airspeed to avoid trees resulted in loss of control and terrain impact.

What happened

The flight was conducted during the final phase of approach for landing. The pilot encountered significant crosswind conditions, which compromised directional control of the aircraft on the runway surface. Recognizing the inability to maintain a safe trajectory, the pilot decided to abort the landing attempt.

To execute the go-around, the pilot applied takeoff power and lifted the aircraft back into the air. However, the maneuver was performed at low altitude and low airspeed. To avoid trees located in the immediate flight path, the pilot attempted a turn. During this low-energy maneuver, the aircraft lost control and subsequently impacted the terrain.

The investigation

The investigation focused on the sequence of events leading to the impact. Examination of the operational context revealed that the loss of directional control began during the crosswind landing phase. The subsequent go-around was executed at a critical altitude where margin for error was minimal. The attempt to maneuver around obstacles while maintaining lift at low airspeed contributed directly to the loss of control.

Findings

The primary factors leading to the accident were the initial loss of directional control during the crosswind landing and the subsequent decision to perform a go-around at low altitude. The pilot's attempt to avoid terrain obstacles by turning at low airspeed resulted in an aerodynamic stall or loss of control, leading to the impact.

Safety message

Pilots should exercise extreme caution when executing go-arounds after losing directional control on landing. Initiating a climb and turn at low altitude and low airspeed significantly increases the risk of loss of control, especially when obstacles are present in the flight path.

Probable cause

The pilot's loss of directional control during a crosswind landing and subsequent loss of control during a go-around maneuver at low altitude and airspeed while attempting to avoid trees.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X27480. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.