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NTSB Report
May 18, 1986 · Cessna 320D · N320SD
Van Nuys, CA
Overview
Report Status
Preliminary report
Event Type
Accident
Date
May 18, 1986
Injury Outcomes
6 injuries (6 fatalities)
Location
Van Nuys, CA
Aircraft
Cessna 320D
Tail Number
N320SD
Injuries
Fatal
Aircraft Damage
Destroyed
NTSB Number
LAX86FA222
THE ACFT WAS RETURNING FROM A X-COUNTRY FLT WHEN THE ACCIDENT OCCURRED. WITNESSES OBSERVED THE ACFT ON A LOW DOWNWIND LEG AND MADE TWO SUDDEN STEEP TURNS, ONE TO THE EAST FOLLOWED BY A SUDDEN STEEP TURN TO THE NORTH PRIOR TO A NOSE DOWN IMPACT INTO THE GROUND. THE WITNESSES REPORTED SEEING OR HEARING NO MECHANICAL DIFFICULTIES WITH THE AIRCRAFT PRIOR TO THE CRASH. ONE WITNESS STATED THE AIRCRAFT STALLED DURING THE LAST TURN. A REVIEW OF THE RECORDED CONVERSATION BETWEEN THE PILOT AND THE AIR TRAFFIC CONTROLLER DID NOT REVEAL ANY UNUSUAL CIRCUMSTANCES DURING THE LANDING APPROACH.
Full Narrative
THE ACFT WAS RETURNING FROM A X-COUNTRY FLT WHEN THE ACCIDENT OCCURRED. WITNESSES OBSERVED THE ACFT ON A LOW DOWNWIND LEG AND MADE TWO SUDDEN STEEP TURNS, ONE TO THE EAST FOLLOWED BY A SUDDEN STEEP TURN TO THE NORTH PRIOR TO A NOSE DOWN IMPACT INTO THE GROUND. THE WITNESSES REPORTED SEEING OR HEARING NO MECHANICAL DIFFICULTIES WITH THE AIRCRAFT PRIOR TO THE CRASH. ONE WITNESS STATED THE AIRCRAFT STALLED DURING THE LAST TURN. A REVIEW OF THE RECORDED CONVERSATION BETWEEN THE PILOT AND THE AIR TRAFFIC CONTROLLER DID NOT REVEAL ANY UNUSUAL CIRCUMSTANCES DURING THE LANDING APPROACH.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time17:38 PDT
Nearest AirportVANNUYS (2nm S)
Runway34L
Runway Length8000 ft
Runway Width150 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftCessna 320D
Tail NumberN320SD
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageDestroyed
Operating RulePart 91
Engines2
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsContinental · TSIO-520-B · Reciprocating · 285
Seats6
People & Injuries
Injury Summary6 injuries (6 fatalities)
Fatal6
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured0
Total6
Crew 1Age 56 · Third Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind280° @ 15 kt
Visibility15 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point0 C
Altimeter29.00 inHg
Observation Time00:38
Weather SourceWFAC