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April 2, 2022 · Cessna 172G · N3901L

Van Nuys, CA

Overview

Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
April 2, 2022
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (8 uninjured)
Location
Van Nuys, CA
Aircraft
Cessna 172G (1966)
Tail Number
N3901L
Operator
Sanctus Aviation
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
WPR22LA143

The student pilot and flight instructor taxied the Cessna 172 and stopped short of the displaced threshold runway behind a Bombardier Challenger awaiting their clearance for departure. A witness stated that the Cessna was about “2-wing spans” behind the Challenger and was in line with the jet thrust vector. Shortly after the pilot of the Challenger was cleared for takeoff, while still on the taxiway, with brakes applied, the pilot increased the engine power to about 80 to 90%, then released the brakes, and departed. The flight instructor of the Cessna reported that he cut the mixture and deflected the aileron control towards the Challenger’s jetbast, but the airplane lifted, and the left wing was substantially damaged when it contacted the runway. The flight instructor reported that there were no mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operations The Challenger pilot reported that he was not aware of anything unusual related to his takeoff, as he was not contacted by the local air traffic control tower.

NTSB Probable Cause

The student pilot’s failure to maintain sufficient distance behind a jet airplane which, resulted in his loss of airplane control due to the jet airplane’s jet blast and the flight instructor’s delayed remedial action.

Full Narrative

The student pilot and flight instructor taxied the Cessna 172 and stopped short of the displaced threshold runway behind a Bombardier Challenger awaiting their clearance for departure. A witness stated that the Cessna was about “2-wing spans” behind the Challenger and was in line with the jet thrust vector. Shortly after the pilot of the Challenger was cleared for takeoff, while still on the taxiway, with brakes applied, the pilot increased the engine power to about 80 to 90%, then released the brakes, and departed. The flight instructor of the Cessna reported that he cut the mixture and deflected the aileron control towards the Challenger’s jetbast, but the airplane lifted, and the left wing was substantially damaged when it contacted the runway. The flight instructor reported that there were no mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operations The Challenger pilot reported that he was not aware of anything unusual related to his takeoff, as he was not contacted by the local air traffic control tower.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time14:50 PDT
Nearest AirportVANNUYS (0nm)
Runway16R
Runway Length4013 ft
Runway Width75 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftCessna 172G
Tail NumberN3901L
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorSanctus Aviation
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsContinental · O-300 · Reciprocating | Ge · CF34 SERIES · Turbofan · 9140 | Ge · CF34 SERIES · Turbofan · 9140
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (8 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured8
Total8
Crew 1Age 31 · First Class · None
Crew 2Age 27 · Third Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
WindCalm
Visibility10 sm
CeilingOvercast 2300 ft
Temperature / Dew Point64 F / 52 F
Altimeter29.99 inHg
Observation Time14:51
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data