Incident Overview
A pilot flying a Maule M-7-260C detailed an accident that occurred during a landing attempt on runway 21. According to the pilot, the approach was conducted as a normal pattern. While on final approach, the pilot applied a crosswind correction. At touchdown, the airplane encountered windshear, resulting in a balloon of 20 to 25 feet at nearly zero forward groundspeed.
Go-Around Attempt
When the airplane ballooned, the pilot initiated a go-around. However, a shift in crosswind direction caused the aircraft to be blown into hangars located adjacent to the left side of the runway. The pilot stated he could not regain lateral control after the wind changed to a right crosswind.
Pilot Reflection
The pilot noted that if he had allowed the airplane to descend from the balloon height with only partial power to soften the landing, it might have been possible to avoid striking the hangars. No mechanical anomalies were reported with the airplane.
Runway and Wind Conditions
Runway 21 measures 1,800 feet in length and 35 feet in width. Around the time of the accident, wind observations from an airport 12 nautical miles southeast recorded winds from 280 degrees at 16 knots, gusting to 26 knots.