N6427N

On January 21, 2002, at 1100 Pacific standard time, a Beech B36TC, N6427N, contacted the runway surface with the left wingtip during takeoff from the Mammoth Yosemite Airport, Mammoth Lakes, California. The airline transport certificated pilot and four passengers were not injured. The airplane was substantially damaged. The personal flight was operated by the owner under 14 CFR Part 91, and was destined for Van Nuys, California. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed.

The airplane departed on runway 27 (7,000 feet long by 100 feet wide, asphalt). The pilot reported that two other aircraft, one of similar weight and size, departed ahead of him as he performed his run-up. The windsock indicated the wind was variable from down the runway to a 45-degree left crosswind at 15 to 20 knots. During his takeoff roll, as he rotated the airplane for liftoff, the airplane encountered a "strong side gust," which caused the airplane to yaw into the wind, one wing to lift, and the other to drop and contact the runway. Following the wingtip contact with the runway, the pilot aborted the takeoff and brought the airplane to a stop on the remaining runway. The recorded Automated Weather Observing System (AWOS) surface wind, 48 minutes after the accident, was from 200 degrees at 18 knots with gusts to 31 knots.