On December 21, 1996, a Maule M-5 (registration N56391) was involved in an aviation accident near Levant, ME. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: 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. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A pilot returning from a local flight attempted a go-around after drifting right of the runway due to a left crosswind, resulting in the airplane striking trees.
Accident Sequence
The pilot/owner departed his private airstrip for a local flight. Upon returning to land to the north, he encountered a left crosswind. The airplane drifted to the right of the runway. The pilot then initiated a go-around, during which the airplane struck trees. The pilot reported no malfunctions with the airplane during the flight.
Aircraft Examination
Post-accident examination of the airplane revealed no evidence of preimpact failure of the airframe or engine. The airplane appeared to have been fully functional at the time of the accident.
Weather Information
A weather observation from an airport located 10 miles from the accident site reported winds from 290 degrees at 16 knots. This wind condition was consistent with the left crosswind encountered by the pilot during the landing approach.
Pilot Statement
The pilot stated that he did not encounter any malfunctions of the airplane before or during the accident sequence. No further details regarding the pilot's experience or the specific type of airplane were provided in the official source.