NTSB Identification: GAA16CA069
14 CFR Part 91: General Aviation
Accident occurred Thursday, December 03, 2015 in Mammoth, CA
Probable Cause Approval Date: 03/14/2016
Aircraft: PIPER PA 46-350P, registration: N546C
Injuries: 2 Uninjured.
NTSB investigators used data provided by various entities, including, but not limited to, the Federal Aviation Administration and/or the operator and did not travel in support of this investigation to prepare this aircraft accident report.
According to the pilot, he checked the winds via his onboard weather reporting device during the run-up, and he stated that the 25 knot wind sock was about ¾ full just moments before the takeoff roll. He reported that during the takeoff roll the airplane encountered a significant wind gust from the right. He stated that the wind gust forced the airplane to exit the left side of the runway, the landing gear collapsed, and the airplane collided with metal pylons which surrounded the wind sock. The airplane sustained substantial damage to both wings, fuselage, horizontal stabilizer and elevator.
The pilot reported that there were no mechanical failures or anomalies prior to or during the flight that would have prevented normal flight operation.
According to the Airport/Facility Directory, the Airport Remarks state:
Airport located in mountainous terrain with occasional strong winds and turbulence. Lighted windsock available at runway ends and centerfield. With southerly crosswinds in excess of 15 knots, experiencing turbulence and possible windshear along first 3000´ of Runway 27.
The reported wind at the airport during the time of the accident was from 200 degrees true at 22 knots, with gusts at 33 knots, and the departure runway heading was 27.
According to the pilot operating hand book the maximum demonstrated crosswind component for this airplane is 17 knots. The crosswind component during the time of the accident was 26 knots.
The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident as follows:
The pilot's decision to takeoff in high crosswind conditions resulting in the inability to maintain an adequate crosswind correction, consequently failing to maintain directional control and departing the runway, and subsequently colliding with fixed airfield equipment.
On December 3, San Diego residents Jerry Black, along with his passenger Larry Gallego, crashed in Black’s Piper Mirage airplane into a field at Mammoth Yosemite Airport (seven miles from Mammoth Lakes).
According to police and Sierra Wave Media, while attempting to take off, high winds forced the plane into the field’s “segmented circle” — a near-the-runway circle of metal signage used as a traffic-pattern aid for aircraft. One of the plane’s wings was torn off.
In an interview with Mammoth Lakes Police Department officer Grant Zemel, he said Black sustained minor injuries to his head but medical aid was not needed.
A light winter storm was predicted for December 3, bringing erratic wind speeds, reportedly at 35 knots (about 40 MPH), at the time of the crash.
Zemel believes Black turned into the gusty wind for take-off, then the wind stopped, and he assumed it would burst again. “That’s my guess,” said Zemel.
The airport was reopened at 2:30 p.m., two hours after the incident.
The Federal Aviation Administration and National Transportation Safety Board were investigating the accident.
The airport’s manager says Black’s insurance company will eventually pick up the wreckage for repair or salvage.
The airport runway paralleling Highway 395 in the Eastern Sierras is often subject to heavy eastwardly crosswinds coming off the Sierra Nevada mountain range from the west.
Mammoth’s commercial flights from LAX, San Diego, and San Francisco on Alaska and United Airlines are often canceled or delayed when winter storms approach.
Source: http://www.sandiegoreader.com
Mammoth Lakes, CA – At approximately 12:35 PM on Thursday, December 3, 2015, the Mammoth Lakes Police Department received a call reporting an airplane down at the Mammoth Yosemite Airport (KMMH).
Mammoth Lakes Police Department, along with Mammoth Lakes Fire Department, Long Valley Fire Department, Mono County Sheriff’s Office, and airport personnel responded to the scene.
A Piper Mirage attempted to take-off from the runway with winds estimated at approximately 35 knots.
On board was the pilot, Gerald Black, and his passenger, Lawrence Gallego – both of San Diego.
The pilot sustained minor injuries when the aircraft hit the ground and plowed through the segmented circle at mid-field.
The Federal Aviation Administration and National Transportation Safety Board have been notified of this accident and will be conducting their investigations into the crash.
The Mammoth Yosemite airport re-opened at 2:30 PM.
Officers/Agencies Involved: Mammoth Lakes Police Department, Mammoth Lakes Fire Department, Long Valley Fire Department, Mono County Sheriff’s Office, Mammoth Yosemite Airport Personnel.
Source: http://www.sierrawave.net
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