Maule M 7-235C N3180G accident near Mankato, Minnesota

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the go-around, which resulted in a collision with terrain.

NTSB analysis

The pilot reported that he was landing in gusting wind conditions, and that while on final, "the wind let off causing us to sink faster than I wanted so I added power." He reported that the airplane drifted to the left side of the runway, he attempted to correct the drift, and then he decided to execute a go-around. He reported that during the go around, he encountered a large gust of wind while in a nose high attitude, and added full right rudder and full left aileron. The right main landing gear struck the ground and was severed, and the airplane impacted the ground. A postflight inspection revealed substantial damage to the fuselage and right wing.

The pilot reported there were no pre-impact mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airframe or engine that would have precluded normal operation.

The pilot stated as a safety recommendation, he should have "Come in a little faster and used 1 or 2 notches of flaps versus 3."

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for GAA16CA019 for the full record.