# NTSB DEN84LA101: Maule M-5-210C, N314X, Fortuna, ND, January 4, 1984

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: January 4, 1984, 14:00 local (20:00 UTC)
- Place: Fortuna, ND
- Coordinates: 48.91011, -103.770545 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=48.9101&lon=-103.7705&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Takeoff](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/300) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 2 uninjured
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 16345
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=DEN84LA101
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/16345/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN84LA101

## Sequence of events

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

- Nose over, takeoff
  - unsuitable terrain or takeoff/landing/taxi area - selected, pilot in command (cause)
  - terrain condition - snow covered (contributing factor)
  - terrain condition - downhill
  - aborted takeoff - performed, pilot in command

## Analysis

THE PLT MADE AN OFF ARPT LANDING ON UPWARD SLOPING TERRAIN WHICH WAS COVERED WITH APRX 4 INCHES OF SNOW. ABOUT 1/2 HR LATER, HE INITIATED A TAKEOFF ON A DIFFERENT SECTION OF THE FIELD ON DOWNWARD SLOPING TERRAIN. THE SNOW IN THAT AREA WAS INITIALLY 4 INCHES DEEP, BUT DEEPENED TO ABOUT 8 INCHES & SLOWED THE ACFT. THE PLT ABORTED THE TAKEOFF, BUT BEFORE STOPPING, THE PLANE NOSED OVER.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N314X](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N314X), registered now, S/N 6134C, built 1975 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: MAULE M-5-210C
- Registry model: [Maule M-5-210C](https://openairdocs.org/model/maule-m-5-210c) (registry code 5460134) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Continental IO-360 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/continental-io-360-series) (registry code 17025, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 6134C
- Airframe hours: 383
- Engines: CONTINENTAL IO-360-D 210 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Aksel Sorensen
- Registered owner: Lawrence Drilling Co
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, April 5, 1983
- Departed: 1SN, WILLISTON, ND

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 36; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; flight hours: 645 total, 169 in this make and model, 585 as pilot in command, 21 in the last 90 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 210° at 10 knots, gusting 12
- Visibility: 60 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: -11 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg

## 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 19840104006119A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19840104006119A), Jan 4, 1984: Maule M5210C, Fortuna, ND, Substantial damage. Aborted a takeoff attempt from a snow covered field. Aircraft nosed over in 8 inch snow depth.

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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