Casualties unknown

Takeoff Collision with Terrain Following Gusty Wind Encounter (N3929F)

Mammoth Lakes, CA, US

On September 17, 1989, a Piper PA-32R-300 (registration N3929F) operated by Richer, Everett C. was involved in an aviation accident near Mammoth Lakes, CA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT'S IMPROPER COMPENSATION FOR THE EXISTING WIND CONDITION AND HIS FAILURE TO MAINTAIN AIRSPEED. FACTORS THAT RELATED TO THE ACCIDENT WERE: THE GUSTY & CROSS-WINDS AND HIGH DENSITY ALTITUDE. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

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

A pilot reported a normal takeoff from runway 27 with left aileron pressure for gusty crosswind. Density altitude over 8200 ft, wind 180° at 35 kts. Aircraft climbed to 20 ft AGL, encountered gusty wind, and collided with terrain beside the runway.

Event Description

A pilot reported that he executed a normal takeoff from runway 27. During the takeoff, he used left aileron pressure to compensate for the gusty crosswind condition. At the time of departure, the density altitude was over 8,200 feet. The wind was from 180 degrees at 35 knots.

Flight Details

The pilot did not indicate that he used high density altitude takeoff techniques or that he adjusted his initial rate of climb airspeed to compensate for the gusty wind condition. The aircraft lifted off, climbed to 20 feet above ground level (AGL), then encountered the gusty wind and collided with terrain adjacent to the side of the runway.

Additional Information

No further details regarding the aircraft type, registration, operator, date, location, occupants, injuries, or damage were provided in the source.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 17 Sept 1989 Piper PA-32R-300 accident near Mammoth Lakes, CA?

A pilot reported a normal takeoff from runway 27 with left aileron pressure for gusty crosswind. Density altitude over 8200 ft, wind 180° at 35 kts. Aircraft climbed to 20 ft AGL, encountered gusty wind, and collided with terrain beside the runway.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 17 Sept 1989 involved a Piper PA-32R-300, registration N3929F, operated by Richer, Everett C., at Mammoth Lakes, CA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

THE PILOT'S IMPROPER COMPENSATION FOR THE EXISTING WIND CONDITION AND HIS FAILURE TO MAINTAIN AIRSPEED. FACTORS THAT RELATED TO THE ACCIDENT WERE: THE GUSTY & CROSS-WINDS AND HIGH DENSITY ALTITUDE.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X29418. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.