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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

NTSB Reports is an independent research and search tool for public aviation accident and incident records. It brings NTSB aviation reports, structured fields, docket files, extracted figures, photos, videos, and update history into one searchable interface.

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January 28, 1996 · Boeing B75N1 · N69808

Bernal, NM

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
January 28, 1996
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 minor injury)
Location
Bernal, NM
Aircraft
Boeing B75N1
Tail Number
N69808
Operator
Trans Mountain Air
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
FTW96LA107

While in cruise flight at 500 to 1,000 feet above ground level on a cross-country flight, severe turbulence was encountered, and according to the pilot, he was unable to maintain altitude. Subsequently, the airplane collided with trees in mountainous terrain. The pilot walked approximately three miles to the nearest highway. Reportedly, he had received a weather briefing before departure, which provided information that high winds and moderate to severe turbulence could be expected along his entire route of flight.

NTSB Probable Cause

the pilot's improper planning/decision, including his failure to maintain sufficient altitude/clearance from mountainous terrain to compensate for altitude deviations that resulted from mountain wave/wind conditions. Factors relating to the accident were: the weather/wind conditions, and the proximity of mountainous terrain.

Full Narrative

On January 28, 1996, at 1500 mountain standard time, a Boeing B75N1, N69808, collided with trees during cruise flight near Bernal, New Mexico. The private pilot received minor injuries and the aircraft sustained substantial damage. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for this personal flight operating under Title 14 CFR Part 91 and no flight plan was filed. The flight was en route to Santa Fe, New Mexico, and departed Las Vegas, New Mexico, at 1445, after refueling. According to the pilot, he encountered winds of 35 knots gusting to 45 knots at 500 to 1,000 feet above ground level and could not control altitude. The aircraft was forced into the trees. The pilot said he walked out to the highway which was approximately three miles from the accident site. In his written statement, the pilot said his "briefing indicated very windy conditions along the entire route with a SIGMET for turbulence (moderate to severe)."

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time15:00 MST
Nearest Airport0nm
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftBoeing B75N1
Tail NumberN69808
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorTrans Mountain Air
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsContinental · W-670-6N · Reciprocating · 220
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury Summary1 injury (1 minor injury)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor1
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 33 · Third Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind270° @ 35 kt, gusting 45 kt
Visibility50 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point39 C / 0 C
Altimeter0
Weather SourcePILO

Appendix: Source Data