# NTSB LAX85LA281: Otis G. Lyons Marquart Charger MA5, N80GL, Upper Lake, CA, June 15, 1985

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: June 15, 1985, 16:30 local (23:30 UTC)
- Place: Upper Lake, CA
- Coordinates: 33.740394, -117.180732 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=33.7404&lon=-117.1807&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): 24745
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX85LA281
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/24745/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX85LA281

## 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
  - weather condition - crosswind (contributing factor)
  - compensation for wind conditions - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
  - aborted takeoff - not performed, pilot in command (contributing factor)
- On ground/water collision with object, takeoff - roll/run
  - proper alignment - not maintained, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - directional control - not maintained, pilot in command (contributing factor)

## Analysis

THE PLT ELECTED TO TAKE OFF IN HIS TAILDRAGGER ON RWY 19 WHICH IS 4050 FT LONG & 200 FT WIDE DURING A PERIOD WHEN THE WIND WAS ESTIMATED AT 270 DEG, 20 KTS, WITH GUSTS TO 25 KTS. THE PLT STATED THAT AT ROTATION FULL RT RUDDER WAS APPLIED, BUT HIS HOMEBUILT, BIPLANE CONTINUED TO DRIFT LT. THE ACFT DRIFTED OFF THE RWY, COLLIDED WITH BRUSH & 'CARTWHEELED TO A STOP WITH A BROKEN LEFT LOWER WING.'

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N80GL](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N80GL), registered now, S/N 0GL-0125, built 1980 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: OTIS G. LYONS MARQUART CHARGER MA5 (MARQUART C)
- Registry model: [Lyons Otis G MA-5 CHARGER](https://openairdocs.org/model/lyons-otis-g-ma-5-charger) (registry code 05655T6) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming O&VO-360 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-o-vo-360-series) (registry code 41514, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane, amateur-built
- Serial number: OGL-0125
- Airframe hours: 105
- Engines: LYCOMING O-360-A4K 180 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Robert P. Kantner
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Experimental (Special)
- Last inspection: Annual, July 22, 1984, 78 hours before
- Departed: 1Q5, UPPER LAKE, CA
- Destination: OQ9, SONOMA, CA
- Airport: 1Q5, Graveley Valley, runway 19, 4,050 × 200 ft, gravel

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 40; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: rear; flight hours: 124 total, 46 in this make and model, 57 as pilot in command, 13 in the last 90 days, 3 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 270° at 20 knots, gusting 25
- Visibility: 25 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 84 °F, dew point -0 °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 19850615025639A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19850615025639A), Jun 15, 1985: Amtrsn SKYBOLT, Upper Lake, CA, Substantial damage. Lost directional control during ground run in gusty wind conditions. Cartwheeled after striking brush off runway.

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.