Probable cause
A loss of engine power for undetermined reasons. Contributing to the accident was dense snow covering the level terrain.
NTSB analysis
About three minutes after takeoff, the airplane's engine experienced a complete loss in power, but the propeller kept turning. Since the pilot could not get the engine restarted, he configured the airplane for a normal landing, and touched down in what appeared to him to be level snow-covered terrain. Upon touchdown, the airplane sank through about three feet of dense snow, which resulted in a rapid deceleration. Both the airplane's belly and the inboard portion of its wings suffered crushing damage. Inspection of the airplane's fuel storage and delivery systems, and the teardown inspection of the components of the turbocharger system did not reveal any evidence of an anomaly that would have kept the engine from producing full rated horsepower. The engine was successfully test run at various power settings up to a maximum of 2,400 rpm and 30 inches of manifold pressure.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for SEA08LA084 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Mar 3, 2008
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Mammoth, California
- Highest injury
- Serious
- Serious injuries
- 1
- Minor injuries
- 1
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Raytheon Aircraft Company B36TC
- N-number
- N234MT
- Category
- Airplane
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Personal
From the NTSB aviation accident database: N-registered aircraft, events since 2008, data through Oct 28, 2026. The file is published monthly, so the latest weeks are incomplete and recent records can change. The official source is the NTSB aviation investigation search. CheckAero is independent and not affiliated with the NTSB.