FlightFinder
Check my flight
Casualties unknown

Aircraft N5831J Crashes Near Mammoth Lakes, California

Tom's Place, CA, US

On January 13, 1990, a Cessna 182P (registration N5831J) operated by Grice, Thomas G. was involved in an aviation accident near Tom's Place, CA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: CONTINUED FLIGHT BY THE PILOT INTO INSTRUMENT METEOROLOGICAL CONDITIONS (IMC), AND HIS FAILURE TO MAINTAIN SUFFICIENT ALTITUDE ABOVE THE GROUND. 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 on a night flight to Mammoth/June Lakes Airport was warned of heavy snow and poor visibility. The aircraft, N5831J, later crashed about 10 miles southeast of the airport. No mechanical failure was found.

Flight and Communications

The pilot of aircraft N5831J operated a night flight to Mammoth/June Lakes Airport, where he owned a cabin and frequently flew on weekends. During the flight, he communicated with an outbound cargo pilot, who warned of heavy snowfall and poor visibility at the airport. In response, the pilot of N5831J stated, "Oh dear, my car is up there." The cargo pilot reiterated his doubt that N5831J could land at the airport under those conditions.

Witness Observations

A worker who departed the airport at 2030 Pacific Standard Time observed the runway lights come on as he was driving home. He believed the lights were activated by a pilot keying the microphone five times on the UNICOM frequency. Three witnesses saw the aircraft or its lights around the time of the crash. One witness reported that the aircraft appeared to be turning or arcing before impact. Another witness estimated a 100-foot ceiling with falling snow on a dark night.

Accident Details

The impact occurred in a left wing low, nose down attitude, approximately one mile from a highway between Mammoth Lakes and Bishop, California. The crash site was about 10 miles southeast of Mammoth/June Lakes Airport and about 17 miles northwest of Bishop Airport.

Investigation Findings

Examination of the aircraft and engine revealed no preimpact part failure or malfunction. The investigation noted that there was no published instrument approach procedure at Mammoth/June Lakes Airport.

Spatial disorientation

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 13 Jan 1990 Cessna 182P accident near Tom's Place, CA?

A pilot on a night flight to Mammoth/June Lakes Airport was warned of heavy snow and poor visibility. The aircraft, N5831J, later crashed about 10 miles southeast of the airport. No mechanical failure was found.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 13 Jan 1990 involved a Cessna 182P, registration N5831J, operated by Grice, Thomas G., at Tom's Place, CA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

CONTINUED FLIGHT BY THE PILOT INTO INSTRUMENT METEOROLOGICAL CONDITIONS (IMC), AND HIS FAILURE TO MAINTAIN SUFFICIENT ALTITUDE ABOVE THE GROUND. FACTORS RELATED TO THE ACCIDENT WERE: DARK NIGHT, ADVERSE WEATHER CONDITIONS, SELF INDUCED PRESSURE, AND SPATIAL DISORIENTATION.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X22402. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.