# NTSB DEN92LA031: Maule M-5-235C, N5637W, Durango, CO, February 9, 1992

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: February 9, 1992, 15:30 local (22:30 UTC)
- Place: Durango, CO
- Coordinates: 37.270053, -107.879508 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=37.2701&lon=-107.8795&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Approach](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/500) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 2 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report June 11, 1993
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 18195
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=DEN92LA031
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/18195/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN92LA031

## Probable cause

THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN DIRECTIONAL CONTROL.  A FACTOR WAS: CROSSWIND.

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of control - in flight, go-around (vfr)
  - weather condition - crosswind (contributing factor)
  - directional control - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
  - aborted landing - performed, pilot in command
- In flight collision with object, go-around (vfr)
  - object - tree(s)

## Analysis

THE PILOT SAID THE WINDSOCK INDICATED WINDS TO BE FROM 270 DEGREES AT 8 TO 10 KNOTS. AS HE FLARED FOR LANDING ON RUNWAY 19, THE AIRPLANE BEGAN DRIFTING LEFT.  THE PILOT APPLIED FULL POWER TO GO AROUND AND ENCOUNTERED A STRONG GUST OF WIND THAT RAISED THE RIGHT WING.  THE AIRPLANE STRUCK TREES TO THE EAST OF THE RUNWAY.  THE PILOT SURMISED THE WIND FUNNELED THROUGH A GAP IN THE HILLS, WEST OF THE AIRPORT AND DIRECTLY OPPOSITE THE POINT WHERE HE LOST CONTROL.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N5637W](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N5637W), registered now, S/N 7313C, built 1980 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: MAULE M-5-235C
- 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: 7313C
- Engines: LYCOMING O-540-J1A5D 235 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Michael J. Schultz
- Registered owner: Michael J. Schultz
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, June 5, 1991, 68 hours before
- Departed: GUP, GALLUP, NM
- Flight plan: VFR
- Airport: SCO0, Animas Air Park, runway 19, 5,000 × 50 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 47; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 157 total, 77 in this make and model, 62 as pilot in command, 27 in the last 90 days, 27 in the last 30 days, 4 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 210° at 8 knots
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 39 °F, dew point 28 °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 19920209004069A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19920209004069A), Feb 9, 1992: Maule M5235C, Durango, CO, Substantial damage. Crosswind gust drifted aircraft downwind of runway. Tried go around but struck small pinion trees.

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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