What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2003-03-23 involved a Ryan NAVION, registration N5291K, at Mammoth Lakes, CA.

Airplane Departs Runway During Landing Roll After Sudden Wind Gust (N5291K)

On March 23, 2003, a Ryan NAVION (registration N5291K) was involved in an aviation accident near Mammoth Lakes, CA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the pilot's inadequate compensation for the wind conditions and failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll. A factor was the gusty crosswind. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

During the landing roll, an airplane veered off the runway after a sudden gust of wind from the south. The pilot attempted a go-around, but the airplane collided with terrain and came to rest in sagebrush north of the taxiway.

Incident Details

The airplane veered off the runway during the landing roll and collided with terrain and high vegetation. The pilot reported that after the landing gear contacted the runway, a substantial and unexpected gust of wind from a southerly direction was encountered. The left wing lifted, and the airplane veered to the right side of the runway. The pilot applied rudder and aileron inputs to compensate and decided to attempt a go-around.

Weather Conditions

At 1152, the airport's automated weather observation station (AWOS) reported winds from 200 degrees at 15 knots, gusting to 25 knots. The pilot stated that the airport advisory conditions relayed over the Common Traffic Advisory Frequency (CTAF) indicated winds of 250 to 270 degrees, 15 knots gusting to 25 knots, and that runway 27 was in use. Additionally, the pilot observed the airport windsock showing winds from the west/northwest direction.

Pilot Actions

Following the unexpected wind gust that caused the runway excursion, the pilot initiated a go-around. The airplane began to rise in level flight, but then the pilot experienced a sensation of downward force. The airplane continued in a shallow climb before descending.

Outcome

The airplane came to rest in sagebrush approximately 210 feet north of the parallel taxiway. The collision with terrain and vegetation occurred after the airplane departed the runway surface.

2003-03-23: Ryan NAVION (N5291K) — Mammoth Lakes, CA