Murray Richard F AIRCAM BY LOCKWOOD N984AT

Summary

On 7 July 2012 at about 15:45 local time, a Murray Richard F AIRCAM BY LOCKWOOD registered N984AT, operated by James Thompson, was involved in an accident near Taos, New Mexico, United States. 2 people were on board and 2 were seriously injured. The aircraft was substantially damaged. The NTSB has published a probable cause for this accident; it is quoted in full below.

Date

7 July 2012 at 15:45

Classification

Accident

Location

Taos, New Mexico, United States

Coordinates

36.4219, -105.7231

Aircraft

Murray Richard F AIRCAM BY LOCKWOOD

Registration

N984AT

Category

Airplane

Engines

2

Operator

James Thompson

Operating rule

Part 91: General Aviation

Purpose of flight

Personal

Phase of flight

Not recorded

Route

Taos → Taos

Aircraft damage

Substantial

Weather

VMC

Light

Day

NTSB number

CEN12LA427

2 people were seriously injured.

The pilot's decision to fly in gusty wind conditions at low altitude over mountainous terrain contrary to guidance in the airplane flight manual and subsequent loss of airplane control due to wind and turbulence.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record. This site does not paraphrase or interpret it.

Read the full NTSB narrative

A witness observed the kit-built airplane maneuvering at low altitude near a canyon. As it flew near the rim of a gorge, it rolled right, descended, and impacted the terrain. Postimpact examinations of the airplane did not reveal evidence of any preimpact malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation. The pilot reported gusty wind conditions through the canyon, and weather data recorded at a regional airport 3.25 nautical miles northeast of the accident site, indicated wind from 160 degrees at 7 knots, gusting to 14 knots. Prevailing wind conditions through the canyon would likely result in strong updrafts and mechanical turbulence. The airplane model has a light wing loading, which decreases the stability of the wing in increased wind; the airplane flight manual cautions pilots to be aware of the potential for mechanical turbulence and its effect on the intended flightpath.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record.