# NTSB ANC88LA132: Maule M-5-235, N362X, Fairbanks, AK, September 9, 1988

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: September 8, 1988, 21:15 local (Sep 9, 1988, 05:15 UTC)
- Place: Fairbanks, AK
- Coordinates: 64.010971, -144.679855 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=64.0110&lon=-144.6799&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Taxi](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/250) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report August 8, 1989
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB office: Alaska Regional Office
- NTSB case key (mKey): 5073
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ANC88LA132
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/5073/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC88LA132

## Sequence of events

In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf).

- On ground/water encounter with terrain/water, taxi - to takeoff
  - light condition - dusk (contributing factor)
  - visual lookout - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
  - visual/aural perception, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - unsuitable terrain or takeoff/landing/taxi area - selected, pilot in command (cause)
  - preflight planning/preparation - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)

## Analysis

THE COMMERCIAL PILOT HAD DROPPED TWO HUNTERS OFF AT THEIR CAMPSITE, AND WAS TAXIING FOR TAKEOFF ON AN UNLIGHTED GRAVEL BAR AT DUSK. HE MISJUDGED THE END OF THE GRAVEL BAR IN THE FADING LIGHT AND TAXIED OFF A FOUR FOOT EMBANKMENT.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N362X](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N362X-2013-04-16), registration cancelled 2013-04-16, S/N 7003C, built 1976 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: MAULE M-5-235
- Registry model: [Maule M-5-235C](https://openairdocs.org/model/maule-m-5-235c) (registry code 5460135) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming 0-540 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-540-series) (registry code 41532, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 7003C
- Airframe hours: 1625
- Engines: LYCOMING O-540-J 235 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Business, Part 91
- Operator: Fansler, Owen D.
- Registered owner: Fansler, Owen D.
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 40; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land, multi-engine land, single-engine sea; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 11,329 total, 10,944 as pilot in command, 106 in the last 90 days, 43 in the last 30 days, 5 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Dusk
- Wind: 270° at 5 knots
- Visibility: 50 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 55 °F

## FAA reports on this event (1)

The FAA's own accident and incident reports, matched to the aircraft by N-number and date (OpenAirDocs).

- [Accident 19880908038049A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19880908038049A), Sep 8, 1988: Maule M5235C, Woodriver, AK, Substantial damage. Fell off a sandbar while trying to depart in failing light.

## Other investigations on N362X (2)

From the NTSB's public API. Aircraft are matched to registry aircraft by N-number and event date, checked against the reported serial number, make and model; the registry's history has gaps, so older matches can be wrong. Compare the reported make and model.

- [NTSB ANC81FAA16](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC81FAA16-125689), Jun 4, 1981: Maule M5 (N362X), North Pole, AK, substantial damage
- [NTSB MIA77DLD27](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA77DLD27), Feb 3, 1977: Maule M5 (N362X), Venice, FL, substantial damage

From the NTSB's public API. Aircraft are matched to registry aircraft by N-number and event date, checked against the reported serial number, make and model; the registry's history has gaps, so older matches can be wrong. Compare the reported make and model.

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