# NTSB LAX91LA084: Maule M5-180C, N5653Y, Owayhee, NV, January 28, 1991

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: January 27, 1991, 16:40 local (Jan 28, 1991, 00:40 UTC)
- Place: Owayhee, NV
- Coordinates: 41.910961, -116.180282 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=41.9110&lon=-116.1803&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Takeoff](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/300) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 2 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report March 31, 1993
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 27102
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX91LA084
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/27102/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX91LA084

## Probable cause

THE FAILURE OF THE PILOT TO MAINTAIN DIRECTIONAL CONTROL. A FACTOR WAS SUN GLARE.

## 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
  - object - tree(s)
  - directional control - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
  - light condition - sunglare (contributing factor)
- Nose over, landing - roll

## Analysis

THE PILOT TOOK OFF FROM A GRAVEL ROAD ADJACENT TO THE AIRPORT DUE TO THE RUNWAY BEING COVERED WITH SNOW. DURING TAKEOFF ROLL, THE AIRCRAFT DRIFTED RIGHT, AND THE RIGHT MAIN LANDING GEAR ENTERED THE SOFT SOIL ON THE SHOULDER OF THE ROAD. THE AIRCRAFT STRUCK A SAGEBRUSH AND NOSED OVER. THE PILOT STATED THE SUN GLARE RESTRICTED HIS VISIBILITY DURING THE TAKEOFF.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N5653Y](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N5653Y-2015-05-19), registration cancelled 2015-05-19, S/N 8032C, built 1984 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: MAULE M5-180C
- Registry model: [Maule M-5-180C](https://openairdocs.org/model/maule-m-5-180c) (registry code 5460204) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming O&VO-360 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-o-vo-360-series) (registry code 41514, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 8032C
- Engines: LYCOMING O-360-CIF 180 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Owen, Blanton H.
- Registered owner: Owen, Blanton H.
- Destination: EKO, ELKO, NV

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 45; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 2, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; flight hours: 1,153 total, 410 in this make and model, 1,107 as pilot in command, 47 in the last 90 days, 12 in the last 30 days, 1 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Dusk
- Wind: calm
- Visibility: 35 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: -0 °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 19910127001189A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19910127001189A), Jan 27, 1991: Maule M5180C, Mountain City, NV, Substantial damage. Tried to depart on road next to airport due to snow on runway. Veered off road into soft shoulder and nosed over.

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.