High wind take-off fails at Mammoth

Plane crashes at Mammoth Yosemite Airport

Mammoth Lakes Police Department:

Plane Crash at Mammoth Yosemite Airport

 Mammoth Lakes, CA At approximately 12:35 PM on Thursday, December 3, 2015, the Mammoth Lakes Police Department received a call reporting an airplane down at the Mammoth Yosemite Airport (MMH). MLPD, along with Mammoth Lakes Fire Department, Long Valley Fire Department, Mono County Sheriff’s Office, and airport personnel responded to the scene.

 A Piper Mirage attempted to take-off from the runway with winds estimated at approximately 35 knots. On board was the pilot, Gerald Black, and his passenger, Lawrence Gallego – both of San Diego. The pilot sustained minor injuries when the aircraft hit the ground and plowed through the segmented circle at mid-field.

 The FAA and NTSB have been notified of this accident and will be conducting their investigations into the crash. The Mammoth Yosemite airport re-opened at 2:30 PM.

Cover Photo provided by the Mammoth Lakes Police Department

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