# NTSB FTW96LA107: Boeing B75N1, N69808, Bernal, NM, January 28, 1996 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report - Date: January 28, 1996, 15:00 local (22:00 UTC) - Place: Bernal, NM - Coordinates: 35.370552, -105.440979 (estimated) - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=35.3706&lon=-105.4410&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Highest injury: Minor injuries - Injuries: 1 minor - Status: Completed, report November 11, 1996 - Report: Approved by Office Director - NTSB case key (mKey): 19753 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=FTW96LA107 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/19753/pdf - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW96LA107 ## Probable cause the pilot's improper planning/decision, including his failure to maintain sufficient altitude/clearance from mountainous terrain to compensate for altitude deviations that resulted from mountain wave/wind conditions. Factors relating to the accident were: the weather/wind conditions, and the proximity of mountainous terrain. ## Sequence of events In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf). - In flight encounter with weather, cruise - planning/decision - improper, pilot in command (cause) - weather condition - high wind (contributing factor) - weather condition - gusts (contributing factor) - weather condition - turbulence,clear air (contributing factor) - weather condition - downdraft (contributing factor) - Altitude deviation,uncontrolled, cruise - In flight collision with object, descent - uncontrolled - terrain condition - mountainous/hilly (contributing factor) - altitude/clearance - inadequate, pilot in command (cause) - object - tree(s) ## Analysis While in cruise flight at 500 to 1,000 feet above ground level on a cross-country flight, severe turbulence was encountered, and according to the pilot, he was unable to maintain altitude. Subsequently, the airplane collided with trees in mountainous terrain. The pilot walked approximately three miles to the nearest highway. Reportedly, he had received a weather briefing before departure, which provided information that high winds and moderate to severe turbulence could be expected along his entire route of flight. ## Factual narrative On January 28, 1996, at 1500 mountain standard time, a Boeing B75N1, N69808, collided with trees during cruise flight near Bernal, New Mexico. The private pilot received minor injuries and the aircraft sustained substantial damage. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for this personal flight operating under Title 14 CFR Part 91 and no flight plan was filed. The flight was en route to Santa Fe, New Mexico, and departed Las Vegas, New Mexico, at 1445, after refueling. According to the pilot, he encountered winds of 35 knots gusting to 45 knots at 500 to 1,000 feet above ground level and could not control altitude. The aircraft was forced into the trees. The pilot said he walked out to the highway which was approximately three miles from the accident site. In his written statement, the pilot said his "briefing indicated very windy conditions along the entire route with a SIGMET for turbulence (moderate to severe)." ## Aircraft - Registration: [N69808](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N69808), registered now, S/N 75-2674 (OpenAirDocs) - Reported make and model: BOEING B75N1 - Registry model: [Boeing B75N1](https://openairdocs.org/model/boeing-b75n1) (registry code 1380144) (OpenAirDocs) - Registry engine: [Continental W670 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/continental-w670-series) (registry code 17018, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs) - Category: Airplane - Serial number: 75-2674 - Airframe hours: 4417 - Engines: Continental W-670-6N 220 horsepower reciprocating - Damage: Substantial damage - Flight: Personal, Part 91 - Operator: Trans Mountain Air, Inc. - Registered owner: Trans Mountain Air, Inc. - Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal - Last inspection: Annual, May 20, 1995, 42 hours before - Departed: LVS, LAS VEGAS, NM - Destination: SAF, SANTA FE, NM ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Pilot; age 33; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: rear; flight hours: 699 total, 144 in this make and model, 584 as pilot in command, 11 in the last 90 days, 8 in the last 30 days, 8 in the last 24 hours ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day - Wind: 270° at 35 knots, gusting 45 - Visibility: 50 statute miles - Lowest ceiling: none - Temperature: 39 °F ## FAA reports on this event (1) The FAA's own accident and incident reports, matched to the aircraft by N-number and date (OpenAirDocs). - [Accident 19960128002529A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19960128002529A), Jan 28, 1996: Boeing B75N1, Bernal, NM, Substantial damage. Flying low over hilly terrain. Encountered downdraft in severe turbulence. Struck trees. AIRMET out for turbulence. ## Other investigations on N69808 (1) From the NTSB's public API. Aircraft are matched to registry aircraft by N-number and event date, checked against the reported serial number, make and model; the registry's history has gaps, so older matches can be wrong. Compare the reported make and model. - [NTSB CHI72DEP02](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI72DEP02), Jul 11, 1971: Boeing B75N1 (N69808), Blck Rvr Flls, WI, substantial damage From the NTSB's public API. Aircraft are matched to registry aircraft by N-number and event date, checked against the reported serial number, make and model; the registry's history has gaps, so older matches can be wrong. Compare the reported make and model. --- OpenAirDocs.org is an independent research project of [Contrail Labs](https://contraillabs.com/). It is not affiliated with the FAA or the NTSB. Source documents are U.S. government works in the public domain.