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NTSB Report
February 5, 1990 · Piper PA-32-300 · N8620N
Mammoth Lakes, CA
Overview
Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
February 5, 1990
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (3 uninjured)
Location
Mammoth Lakes, CA
Aircraft
Piper PA-32-300
Tail Number
N8620N
Operator
Nathaniel Sheldon J
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
LAX90LA085
THE PILOT REPORTED ENCOUNTERING PROP RPM PROBLEMS WHICH DETERIORATED THE AIRPLANE'S CLIMB PERFORMANCE AND HE ELECTED TO LAND IN A ROUGH/UNEVEN FIELD. GROUND WITNESSES REPORTED THAT THE AIRPLANE STAGGERED INTO THE AIR IN GROUND EFFECT AND THEN CRASHED. THE WITNESSES ALSO STATED THAT UPON THEIR ARRIVAL AT THE ACCIDENT SITE, THE AIRPLANE'S WINGS, FUSELAGE, AND EMPENNAGE WERE COVERED WITH ICE THAT APPEARED TO HAVE MELTED AND REFROZEN. THE PLT REPORTED THAT HE HAD REMOVED ICE BEFORE DEPARTING.
NTSB Probable Cause
THE PILOT'S INADEQUATE REMOVAL OF ICE FROM THE FUSELAGE, WINGS, AND HORIZONTAL STABILIZER PRIOR TO TAKEOFF.
Full Narrative
THE PILOT REPORTED ENCOUNTERING PROP RPM PROBLEMS WHICH DETERIORATED THE AIRPLANE'S CLIMB PERFORMANCE AND HE ELECTED TO LAND IN A ROUGH/UNEVEN FIELD. GROUND WITNESSES REPORTED THAT THE AIRPLANE STAGGERED INTO THE AIR IN GROUND EFFECT AND THEN CRASHED. THE WITNESSES ALSO STATED THAT UPON THEIR ARRIVAL AT THE ACCIDENT SITE, THE AIRPLANE'S WINGS, FUSELAGE, AND EMPENNAGE WERE COVERED WITH ICE THAT APPEARED TO HAVE MELTED AND REFROZEN. THE PLT REPORTED THAT HE HAD REMOVED ICE BEFORE DEPARTING.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time16:04 PST
Nearest AirportMammoth Lakes (0nm N)
Runway27
Runway Length7000 ft
Runway Width100 ft
Flight Plan FiledVFR
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftPiper PA-32-300
Tail NumberN8620N
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorNathaniel Sheldon J
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · IO-540-K1A5 · Reciprocating · 300
Seats6
People & Injuries
Injury SummaryNo injuries (3 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured3
Total3
Crew 1Age 42 · Third Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind250° @ 13 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point0 C / 0 C
Altimeter0
Observation Time00:01
Weather SourceWFAC