# NTSB ANC91LA084: Maule MX-7-235, N5665A, Blair Lakes, AK, June 29, 1991

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: June 29, 1991, 13:00 local (21:00 UTC)
- Place: Blair Lakes, AK
- Coordinates: 64.900421, -148.159545 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=64.9004&lon=-148.1595&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Takeoff](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/300) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report December 14, 1992
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB office: Alaska Regional Office
- NTSB case key (mKey): 5568
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ANC91LA084
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/5568/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC91LA084

## Probable cause

WAS THE PILOT-IN-COMMAND'S FAILURE TO ASSURE SUFFICIENT OBSTRUCTION CLEARANCE FOR HIS AIRPLANE DURING THE TAKEOFF ROLL.  CONTRIBUTING TO THE ACCIDENT WAS THE HIGH VEGETATION.

## Sequence of events

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

- On ground/water collision with object, takeoff - roll/run
  - terrain condition - high vegetation (contributing factor)
  - clearance - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)

## Analysis

ACCORDING TO THE PILOT-IN-COMMAND, THE AIRSTRIP WAS VERY NARROW WITH NO MARGIN FOR ERROR.  DURING HIS TAKEOFF ROLL, THE AIRPLANE'S LEFT WING STRUCK SOME WILLOW TREES.  THE PILOT ATTEMPTED TO GET THE AIRPLANE AIRBORNE, HOWEVER, IT CONTINUED INTO THE HEAVIER WILLOWS OFF THE SIDE OF THE RUNWAY.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N5665A](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N5665A-2015-06-26), registration cancelled 2015-06-26, S/N 10028C (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: MAULE MX-7-235
- Registry model: [Maule MX-7-235](https://openairdocs.org/model/maule-mx-7-235) (registry code 5470207) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 10028C
- Airframe hours: 456
- Engines: LYCOMING IO-540-W1A5D 235 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Kenneth A. Sievert
- Registered owner: Kenneth A. Sievert
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, November 8, 1990, 97 hours before
- Departed: NONE, BLAIR LAKES, AK
- Destination: FAI, FAIRBANKS, AK
- Airport: NONE, Blair Lakes, runway 3, 1,500 × 15 ft, dirt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 48; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine sea, single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 1,338 total, 99 in this make and model, 1,212 as pilot in command, 54 in the last 90 days, 11 in the last 30 days, 1 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 270° at 8 knots, gusting 12
- Visibility: 60 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 79 °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 19910629025209A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19910629025209A), Jun 29, 1991: Maule MX7235, Blair Lakes, AK, Substantial damage. Tried to depart narrow unimproved bush strip. Wing struck willows and rotated aircraft into larger trees.

## Other investigations on N5665A (1)

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 WPR14CA254](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR14CA254), Jun 20, 2014: Maule MX 7-235 (N5665A), Port Orchard, WA, substantial damage. Probable cause: The pilot's delayed remedial action and failure to maintain directional control.

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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