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NTSB Report
October 2, 1985 · Piper PA-32-300 · N9AZ
Van Nuys, CA
Overview
Report Status
Preliminary report
Event Type
Accident
Date
October 2, 1985
Injury Outcomes
2 injuries (2 minor injuries)
Location
Van Nuys, CA
Aircraft
Piper PA-32-300
Tail Number
N9AZ
Operator
Frank W Armellini
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
LAX86LA001
THE PLT STATED THAT AFTER TAKEOFF HE CLIMBED TO 1800 FT MSL (APRX 1000 FT ABOVE GROUND LEVEL) AND ENTERED A LEFT TURN. THE ENG FAILED IN THE TURN AN HE SELECTED A DRY FLOOD CONTROL BASIN ON WHICH TO LAND. THE ACFT'S AIRSPEED WAS SLOW ON LANDING AND THE TOUCHDOWN WAS HARD. THE HARD LANDING OVERSTRESSED THE AIRFRAME AND RESULTED IN SUBSTANTIAL ACFT DAMAGE. L ACFT DAMAGE. POST ACCIDENT INSPECTION OF THE ACFT FAILED TO DISCLOSED ANY MECHANICAL FAILURE/MALFUNCTION. THE MAIN FUEL TANKS WERE FOUND FULL OF FUEL. THE LEFT AUX TANK WAS EMPTY AND THE RIGHT AUX TANK CONTAINED A SMALL AMOUNT OF FUEL.
Full Narrative
THE PLT STATED THAT AFTER TAKEOFF HE CLIMBED TO 1800 FT MSL (APRX 1000 FT ABOVE GROUND LEVEL) AND ENTERED A LEFT TURN. THE ENG FAILED IN THE TURN AN HE SELECTED A DRY FLOOD CONTROL BASIN ON WHICH TO LAND. THE ACFT'S AIRSPEED WAS SLOW ON LANDING AND THE TOUCHDOWN WAS HARD. THE HARD LANDING OVERSTRESSED THE AIRFRAME AND RESULTED IN SUBSTANTIAL ACFT DAMAGE. L ACFT DAMAGE. POST ACCIDENT INSPECTION OF THE ACFT FAILED TO DISCLOSED ANY MECHANICAL FAILURE/MALFUNCTION. THE MAIN FUEL TANKS WERE FOUND FULL OF FUEL. THE LEFT AUX TANK WAS EMPTY AND THE RIGHT AUX TANK CONTAINED A SMALL AMOUNT OF FUEL.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time16:34 PDT
Nearest Airport1nm SSE
Runway0
Runway Length0
Runway Width0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftPiper PA-32-300
Tail NumberN9AZ
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorFrank W Armellini
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · IO-540-K15 · Reciprocating · 300
Seats7
People & Injuries
Injury Summary2 injuries (2 minor injuries)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor2
Uninjured0
Total2
Crew 1Age 48 · Third Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind250° @ 8 kt
Visibility15 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point43 C
Altimeter29.00 inHg
Observation Time23:25
Weather SourceWFAC