VBA crash late binding Outlook

Maybe this as a workaround.
Try the GetObject. If it fails open Outlook and try it again.

Sub Test()
Dim x As Object

On Error Resume Next
Set x = GetObject(, "Outlook.Application")
On Error GoTo 0

If x Is Nothing Then
   Shell ("Outlook")
   Set x = GetObject(, "Outlook.Application")
End If
End Sub