# NTSB CHI01LA224: Maule M-5-180C, N56646, Houghton Lake, MI, July 22, 2001 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report - Date: July 22, 2001, 10:44 local (14:44 UTC) - Place: Houghton Lake, MI - Coordinates: 44.309783, -84.759498 (estimated) - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=44.3098&lon=-84.7595&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Takeoff](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/300) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Highest injury: No injuries - Injuries: 1 uninjured - Status: Completed, report June 3, 2002 - Report: Approved by Office Director - Parties: FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION - NTSB case key (mKey): 52885 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=CHI01LA224 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/52885/pdf - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI01LA224 ## Probable cause The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the takeoff run. A factor relating to this accident was the trees. ## Sequence of events In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf). - Loss of control - on ground/water, takeoff - roll/run - directional control - not maintained, pilot in command (cause) - In flight collision with object, takeoff - roll/run - object - tree(s) (contributing factor) ## Analysis The pilot said that during take off as the tail wheel was lifted off the runway, the airplane moved left abruptly. The pilot said he tried to turn right but instead hit a cone marking the left edge of the runway. The pilot said he pulled the power off but could not stop before hitting saplings. The pilot said the abrupt turn was likely caused by an unexpected crosswind gust or whirlwind that occurred at the same time the tail was lifted. An examination of the airplane revealed no anomalies. At 0955, the winds reported at Roscommon County Airport, 5 miles from the accident site on a 065 degree heading, were calm. ## Factual narrative On July 22, 2001, at 1044 eastern daylight time, a Maule, M-5-180C, N56646, operated by a private pilot, sustained substantial damage when it struck trees during takeoff on runway 34 (2,750 feet by 104 feet, dry grass/turf) at the Houghton Heights, Lake State Airport (5Y2), Houghton Lake, Michigan. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident. The personal flight was being conducted under the provisions of 14 CFR Part 91 without a flight plan. The pilot reported no injuries. The intended cross-country flight to Lake City, Michigan, was originating at the time of the accident. In his written statement, the pilot said that during take off as the tail wheel was lifted off the runway, the airplane moved left abruptly. The pilot said he tried to turn right but instead hit a cone marking the left edge of the runway. The pilot said he pulled the power off but could not stop before hitting saplings. The pilot said the abrupt turn was likely caused by an unexpected crosswind gust or whirlwind that occurred at the same time the tail was lifted. A Federal Aviation Administration inspector examined the airplane at 5Y2. Both wings leading edges showed bends and crushing along their entire spans. One wing was twisted aft. The cowling and fuselage showed bends and wrinkles. The propeller showed chordwise scratches. Several tree saplings in the vicinity of where the airplane came to a stop were severed. Flight control continuity between the cockpit and all control surfaces was confirmed. An examination of the engine, engine controls, and other airplane systems revealed no anomalies. At 0955, the winds reported at Roscommon County Airport, 5 miles from the accident site on a 065 degree heading, were calm. ## Aircraft - Registration: [N56646](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N56646), registered now, S/N 8084C (OpenAirDocs) - Reported make and model: Maule M-5-180C - Registry model: [Maule M-5-180C](https://openairdocs.org/model/maule-m-5-180c) (registry code 5460204) (OpenAirDocs) - Category: Airplane - Serial number: 8084C - Airframe hours: 1360 - Engines: Lycoming O-360-C1F 180 horsepower reciprocating - Damage: Substantial damage - Flight: Personal, Part 91 - Registered owner: Timothy A. Scherer - Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal - Last inspection: Annual, March 27, 2001, 50 hours before - Departed: 5Y2, HOUGHTON LAKE, MI - Destination: Y91, LAKE CITY, MI - Airport: 5Y2, Houghton Heights Lake State, runway 34, 2,750 × 104 ft, grass/turf ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Pilot; age 38; injuries: none; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; last flight review August 24, 2000; seat: left; flight hours: 152 total, 60 in this make and model ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day - Wind: calm - Visibility: 5 statute miles - Lowest ceiling: none - Temperature: 79 °F, dew point 70 °F - Altimeter: 29.92 inHg - Observed at: HTL, 5 nm away ## 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 20010722017239A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20010722017239A), Jul 22, 2001: Maule M5180C, Houghton, MI, No damage. (-23) Pilot attempting take off on runway 35 from Houghton heights lake state airport (5Y2). Pilot stated there was no response to the aircraft controls & he… 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. --- OpenAirDocs.org is an independent research project of [Contrail Labs](https://contraillabs.com/). It is not affiliated with the FAA or the NTSB. Source documents are U.S. government works in the public domain.