Casualties unknown

Aircraft Encounters Mountain Wave After Takeoff, Collides with Terrain (N3096R)

Mammoth Lakes, CA, US

On November 8, 1985, a Piper PA-28R-200 (registration N3096R) operated by Paul A. Gordon was involved in an aviation accident near Mammoth Lakes, CA. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 1 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot reported that after takeoff, the aircraft encountered turbulence likely from a mountain wave condition, rolled 90 degrees right, descended, and struck terrain. No mechanical failures were reported.

Incident Overview

A pilot reported that during pre-departure preparations, the airport's wind sock indicated wind blowing down the runway with occasional gusts that did not appear to exceed 20 knots. After takeoff and climbing to about 100 feet above ground level, the aircraft encountered turbulence that was likely associated with a mountain wave condition.

Sequence of Events

According to the pilot and a ground-based witness, the aircraft rapidly rolled 90 degrees to the right and began to descend. Just before colliding with terrain, the aircraft's wings were leveled. The pilot reported no mechanical failures or malfunctions.

Weather Conditions

Approximately 30 minutes after the crash, the airport's special weather observation reported the presence of standing lenticular altocumulus clouds in all quadrants. Surface winds were recorded at 15 knots gusting to 25 knots.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 8 Nov 1985 Piper PA-28R-200 accident near Mammoth Lakes, CA?

A pilot reported that after takeoff, the aircraft encountered turbulence likely from a mountain wave condition, rolled 90 degrees right, descended, and struck terrain. No mechanical failures were reported.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 8 Nov 1985 involved a Piper PA-28R-200, registration N3096R, operated by Paul A. Gordon, at Mammoth Lakes, CA.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001214X38263. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.