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Go-Around Attempt Leads to Nose-over on Runway 35 at Mora, Minnesota (N5712L)

Sandstone, MN, US

On May 23, 2000, an American AA-1 (registration N5712L) was involved in an aviation accident near Sandstone, MN. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the pilot not attaining an airspeed necessary for the go-around and not maintaining clearance from terrain. Factors were the crosswind, gust, and the collapsed nose gear. 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 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

An airplane was substantially damaged during an attempted go-around and nose-over on Runway 35. The pilot sustained minor injuries and reported a wind gust causing the plane to balloon before the nose gear collapsed.

Accident Summary

The airplane was substantially damaged after a go-around attempt resulted in a nose-over on Runway 35. The pilot sustained minor injuries.

Pilot Account

The pilot reported that the landing proceeded normally until touchdown, when a wind gust lifted the airplane 5 to 10 feet back into the air. He added power to initiate a go-around but stated that insufficient airspeed caused the airplane to contact the runway nose-wheel first. The nose gear collapsed, and the propeller struck the runway. The airplane continued approximately 100 feet in a nose-low attitude before departing the right side of the runway. It traveled through grass, flipped forward, and came to rest inverted.

The pilot expressed his belief, echoed by other pilots, that crosswinds at the airport are unusually gusty due to trees bordering the west side of the runway.

Weather Conditions

Wind at Mora, Minnesota, was reported as 280 degrees at 16 knots, with gusts to 23 knots.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 23 May 2000 American AA-1 accident near Sandstone, MN?

An airplane was substantially damaged during an attempted go-around and nose-over on Runway 35. The pilot sustained minor injuries and reported a wind gust causing the plane to balloon before the nose gear collapsed.

Were there any fatalities in the 23 May 2000 American AA-1 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 23 May 2000 involved an American AA-1, registration N5712L, at Sandstone, MN.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

the pilot not attaining an airspeed necessary for the go-around and not maintaining clearance from terrain. Factors were the crosswind, gust, and the collapsed nose gear.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X20962. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.