What happened
The aircraft had recently changed ownership and was being ferried to a new buyer located in Oklahoma. Following a refueling stop at Coronado Airport, the pilot departed and headed northeast to navigate around rotor clouds associated with the Sandia Mountains, which are situated approximately 8 miles east of Albuquerque, New Mexico. The mountain range is oriented north-south and extends roughly 18 miles north of the city.
After bypassing the northern end of the mountains, the pilot turned southeast. While flying at approximately 1500 feet above ground level, the aircraft encountered significant turbulence and downdrafts over the northern section of the range. The pilot reversed course in an attempt to return to Coronado Airport. However, the aircraft entered additional areas of turbulence and sinking air, making it impossible for the pilot to maintain altitude.
The aircraft descended to treetop height, striking the top of a small tree before the pilot was forced to execute a landing in an area of brush. At 1416 Mountain Standard Time, winds at Albuquerque were from 220 degrees at 30 knots, gusting to 58 knots.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the flight path and weather conditions encountered during the ferry flight. Examination of the wind data indicated strong, gusty conditions consistent with mountain wave activity in the area.
Findings
Contributing factors included the turbulence and downdrafts generated by the Sandia Mountains under high-wind conditions. The pilot's inability to maintain altitude despite reversing course highlights the severity of the sink rates encountered. The aircraft sustained damage from striking a tree and landing in brush.
Safety message
Pilots ferrying aircraft through mountainous terrain should exercise extreme caution regarding rotor clouds and downdrafts, particularly when wind speeds are high. Maintaining adequate altitude to clear turbulent zones is critical for safety.