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NTSB Report
June 16, 1985 · Piper J3C-65 · N30738
Van Nuys, CA
Overview
Report Status
Preliminary report
Event Type
Accident
Date
June 16, 1985
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Van Nuys, CA
Aircraft
Piper J3C-65
Tail Number
N30738
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
LAX85LA278
AN ENG FAILUE WAS EXPERIENCED WHILE ON FINAL APCH TO RWY 16R AND THE PLT ELECTED TO MAKE THE FORCED LANDING ON A SOD FARM NEAR THE ARPT. HE STATED HE HAD PLENTY OF ALT TO REACH THE SELECTED TOUCHDOWN POINT, BUT HE MADE A SLIGHT LEFT TURN TO AVOID LARGE TREES. HE DID NOT SEE A STREET LIGHT WHICH WAS NOW IN HIS APCH PATH. THE ACFT CONTACTED THE LIGHT AND COLLIDED WITH THE TERRAIN SHORT OF THE PLANNED TOUCHDOWN POINT. THE CAUSE OF THE REPORTED ENG FAILURE WAS NOT DETERMINED.
Full Narrative
AN ENG FAILUE WAS EXPERIENCED WHILE ON FINAL APCH TO RWY 16R AND THE PLT ELECTED TO MAKE THE FORCED LANDING ON A SOD FARM NEAR THE ARPT. HE STATED HE HAD PLENTY OF ALT TO REACH THE SELECTED TOUCHDOWN POINT, BUT HE MADE A SLIGHT LEFT TURN TO AVOID LARGE TREES. HE DID NOT SEE A STREET LIGHT WHICH WAS NOW IN HIS APCH PATH. THE ACFT CONTACTED THE LIGHT AND COLLIDED WITH THE TERRAIN SHORT OF THE PLANNED TOUCHDOWN POINT. THE CAUSE OF THE REPORTED ENG FAILURE WAS NOT DETERMINED.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time14:21 PDT
Nearest AirportVANNUYS (1nm NNW)
Runway0
Runway Length0
Runway Width0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftPiper J3C-65
Tail NumberN30738
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsContinental · C-85 · Reciprocating · 85
Seats2
People & Injuries
Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 63 · Third Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind110° @ 4 kt
Visibility7 sm
CeilingBroken clouds 20000 ft
Temperature / Dew Point54
Altimeter29.00 inHg
Observation Time20:46
Weather SourceWFAC