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1984-12-16: Piper PA-61 Aerostar (Ted Smith 601) (N601FP) — Paul Meyer Guyer — Mammoth Lakes-Yosemite, United States of America

Mammoth Lakes-Yosemite, United States of AmericaTakeoff (climb)

On December 16, 1984, a Piper PA-61 Aerostar (Ted Smith 601) (registration N601FP) operated by Paul Meyer Guyer was involved in an aviation accident near Mammoth Lakes-Yosemite, United States of America during takeoff. One person was killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's improper preflight planning, inadequate ice/frost removal from the aircraft, failure to use the checklist, poor judgment, delayed rotation, disregard for the NOTAM, and failure to understand a stall/mush, leading to loss of control and collision… This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary reportUpdated 1781218906Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot took off from a snow-covered closed runway at Mammoth Lakes Airport, declined de-icing, and the aircraft stalled, crashed into a ravine, killing the pilot.

Accident Overview

A single-engine aircraft departed from Mammoth Lakes Airport despite the runways being closed for snow removal. The pilot, the sole occupant, was killed when the aircraft struck terrain shortly after takeoff.

Sequence of Events

The airport manager had filed a NOTAM at 0900 hours with the Fresno Flight Service Station regarding taxiway and runway snow removal. The pilot was advised of the NOTAM by the manager and a lineman. Witnesses observed the pilot declining engine pre-heat or aircraft de-icing. When the lineman noted that the two quarts of oil requested by the pilot did not register on the dipstick, the pilot ordered another quart to be added, saying 'throw it in' and 'hurry up.' No preflight inspection, warm-up, or before-takeoff checklist was observed.

Turning directly onto the runway for takeoff, the pilot passed a snow plow. The aircraft used the entire 7,000-foot runway and lifted off in a nose-high attitude. The airport elevation is 7,128 feet mean sea level. After becoming airborne, the aircraft first struck a dirt mound approximately three-quarters of a mile from the runway. It then continued for about 280 feet, crossing a small ravine, before colliding with the far side of the ravine. The aircraft broke apart and came to rest 144 feet farther east.

Probable Cause Findings

The official investigation identified multiple factors contributing to the accident:

  • The pilot failed to properly plan and prepare for the flight.
  • The removal of ice and frost from the aircraft was inadequate.
  • The pilot did not use the appropriate checklist during preflight and takeoff.
  • Poor judgment was exhibited by the pilot.
  • Ice accumulation on the wings degraded performance.
  • Rotation during takeoff was delayed.
  • The pilot's shoulder harness was not engaged.
  • The aircraft's climb capability was disabled.
  • The pilot did not understand how to recover from a stall or mush.
  • The pilot did not identify that airport snow removal was in progress, despite the issued NOTAM.
  • A proper climb rate was not achievable due to the conditions.
  • The pilot disregarded the NOTAM.
Controlled flight into terrain

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