# NTSB LAX95LA260: Stinson L-5E, N31853, Elko, NV, July 21, 1995

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: July 21, 1995, 09:02 local (16:02 UTC)
- Place: Elko, NV
- Coordinates: 40.950229, -115.79026 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=40.9502&lon=-115.7903&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Landing](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/550) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 2 minor
- Status: Completed, report November 30, 1995
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 29157
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX95LA260
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/29157/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX95LA260

## Probable cause

the failure of the student pilot to maintain directional control and the inadequate supervision by the instructor pilot in taking timely corrective action.

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of control - on ground/water, landing - roll
  - weather condition - crosswind
  - directional control - not maintained, dual student (cause)
  - supervision - inadequate, pilot in command(cfi) (cause)
- Nose over, landing - aborted
  - terrain condition - drop-off/descending embankment

## Analysis

THE STUDENT PILOT MADE A NORMAL LANDING ON RUNWAY 12 WHEN THE AIRCRAFT VEERED SHARPLY TO THE RIGHT. THE INSTRUCTOR IN THE BACK SEAT TOOK OVER THE CONTROLS AND APPLIED LEFT RUDDER WITH NO EFFECT. THE AIRCRAFT PROCEEDED OFF THE RUNWAY AND THE INSTRUCTOR APPLIED POWER TO EXECUTE A GO-AROUND. THE AIRCRAFT DEPARTED THE RUNWAY AND WENT DOWN AN EMBANKMENT WHERE IT NOSED OVER. BOTH PILOTS REPORTED NO MECHANICAL PROBLEMS WITH THE AIRCRAFT PRIOR TO THE ACCIDENT. THE WIND AT THE TIME WAS FROM 200 DEGREES AT 5 KNOTS.

## Factual narrative

On July 21, 1995, at 0902 hours Pacific daylight time, a Stinson L-5E, N31853, veered off the runway after landing at the airport in Elko, Nevada.  Visual meteorological conditions existed at the time for the local instructional flight.  The aircraft sustained substantial damage and the two pilots on board received minor injuries.

The investigation indicated that the student pilot was flying the aircraft.  The instructor pilot stated that, after a normal landing to runway 12, the aircraft veered sharply to the right and proceeded off the runway.  The flight instructor took over the controls, but the application of left rudder was not effective.  The instructor initiated a go-around by applying power as the aircraft approached an embankment.  The aircraft continued down the embankment and nosed over.

The pilots reported no mechanical problems with the aircraft.  The winds were from 200 degrees at 5 knots.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N31853](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N31853), registered now, S/N 44-17605, built 1944 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: STINSON L-5E
- Registry model: [Stinson L-5E](https://openairdocs.org/model/stinson-l-5e) (registry code 8630210) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Amateur-built UNKNOWN ENG](https://openairdocs.org/engine/amateur-built-unknown-eng) (registry code 99999) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 44-17605
- Engines: LYCOMING O-435-1 185 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Instructional, Part 91
- Registered owner: Kenyon C. Barnes
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, September 1, 1994, 62 hours before
- Departed: 043, YERINGTON, NV
- Destination: EKO
- Airport: EKO, Elko Municipal, runway 12, 2,869 × 60 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 58; airline transport, commercial; airplane ratings: multi-engine land, single-engine sea, single-engine land; instrument ratings: helicopter, airplane; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: rear; flight hours: 10,000 total, 37 in this make and model, 9,500 as pilot in command, 57 in the last 90 days, 9 in the last 30 days, 5 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 200° at 5 knots
- Visibility: 30 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 68 °F, dew point 45 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: EKO

## 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 19950721026579A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19950721026579A), Jul 21, 1995: Stnson L5E, Elko, NV, Substantial damage. Student lost directional control landing. CFI took over. Aircraft left runway. Nosed over. Possible two on rudder.

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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