# NTSB GAA16CA242: Van B Anthony Zodiac, N99SZ, Grass Valley, CA, May 17, 2016 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Data collection · Final report - Date: May 17, 2016, 16:30 local (23:30 UTC) - Place: Grass Valley, CA - Coordinates: 39.223331, -121.004165 (estimated) - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=39.2233&lon=-121.0042&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Landing](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/550) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Defining event: [Landing: Loss of control on ground](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/230) - Highest injury: Minor injuries - Injuries: 1 minor - Status: Completed, report July 25, 2016 - Report: Approved by Office Director - NTSB office: General Aviation Accidents - Parties: FAA - NTSB case key (mKey): 93198 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=GAA16CA242 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/93198/pdf - NTSB docket: https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket?ProjectID=93198 - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA16CA242 ## Probable cause The pilot's failure to maintain a stabilized approach and landing, which resulted in a hard landing, loss of directional control, runway excursion, and collision with a parked airplane. ## Findings NTSB's coded findings; those marked are part of the probable cause. - [Use of equip/info: aircraft control](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02063040): Personnel issues › Task performance · Pilot (probable cause); cases with it: [Van B Anthony ZODIAC 601 HDS, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02063040/cases.md?model=05634O3), [All aircraft, 9,308 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02063040/cases.md) - [Performance/control parameters: directional control](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01062020): Aircraft › Aircraft oper/perf/capability · Not attained/maintained (probable cause); cases with it: [Van B Anthony ZODIAC 601 HDS, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01062020/cases.md?model=05634O3), [All aircraft, 3,969 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01062020/cases.md) - [Performance/control parameters: airspeed](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01062010): Aircraft › Aircraft oper/perf/capability · Incorrect use/operation (probable cause); cases with it: [Van B Anthony ZODIAC 601 HDS, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01062010/cases.md?model=05634O3), [All aircraft, 1,682 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01062010/cases.md) - [Wind: tailwind](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03034015): Environmental issues › Conditions/weather/phenomena · Awareness of condition; cases with it: [Van B Anthony ZODIAC 601 HDS, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03034015/cases.md?model=05634O3), [All aircraft, 594 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03034015/cases.md) - [Object/animal/substance: sign/marker](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03022015): Environmental issues › Physical environment · Contributed to outcome; cases with it: [Van B Anthony ZODIAC 601 HDS, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03022015/cases.md?model=05634O3), [All aircraft, 214 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03022015/cases.md) - [Object/animal/substance: aircraft](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03022040): Environmental issues › Physical environment · Contributed to outcome; cases with it: [Van B Anthony ZODIAC 601 HDS, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03022040/cases.md?model=05634O3), [All aircraft, 116 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03022040/cases.md) ## Sequence of events The events NTSB coded, in order, by phase of flight. The defining event best describes what happened. - [Prior to flight: Preflight or dispatch event](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/030); cases with it: [Van B Anthony ZODIAC 601 HDS, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/030/sequence.md?model=05634O3), [All aircraft, 355 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/030/sequence.md) - [Landing: Loss of control on ground](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/230) (defining event); cases with it: [Van B Anthony ZODIAC 601 HDS, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/230/sequence.md?model=05634O3), [All aircraft, 4,590 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/230/sequence.md) - [Landing-flare/touchdown: Hard landing](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/092); cases with it: [Van B Anthony ZODIAC 601 HDS, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/092/sequence.md?model=05634O3), [All aircraft, 2,102 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/092/sequence.md) - [Landing-landing roll: Runway excursion](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/300); cases with it: [Van B Anthony ZODIAC 601 HDS, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/300/sequence.md?model=05634O3), [All aircraft, 3,656 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/300/sequence.md) - [Landing-landing roll: Collision with terr/obj (non-CFIT) ](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/470); cases with it: [Van B Anthony ZODIAC 601 HDS, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/470/sequence.md?model=05634O3), [All aircraft, 10,154 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/470/sequence.md) - [Landing-landing roll: Ground collision](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/200); cases with it: [Van B Anthony ZODIAC 601 HDS, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/200/sequence.md?model=05634O3), [All aircraft, 618 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/200/sequence.md) ## Analysis The pilot of an experimental amateur built airplane reported that he felt pressured by a trailing airplane while in the traffic pattern; he further reported that this pressure caused him to turn base, and then final sooner than expected, which resulted in an increased airspeed and higher than expected altitude on final approach. The pilot reported that he decided to proceed with the landing with the intent of utilizing the length of the runway to reduce the airspeed. He further reported that the landing flare was effected by the higher than normal airspeed, and resulted in a hard landing. During the landing roll, the pilot reported that the airplane began to veer to the left and right which progressively increased, resulting in a runway excursion to the left. During the runway excursion, the airplane impacted a taxiway sign, which disabled the brake(s). The airplane continued across the airport until it impacted a parked airplane on the ramp. As a result of the impact, a post-impact fire ensued and the airplane was destroyed. ## Factual narrative The pilot of an experimental amateur built airplane reported that he felt pressured by a trailing airplane while in the traffic pattern; he further reported that this pressure caused him to turn base, and then final sooner than expected, which resulted in an increased airspeed and higher than expected altitude on final approach. The pilot reported that he decided to proceed with the landing with the intent of utilizing the length of the runway to reduce the airspeed. He further reported that the landing flare was effected by the higher than normal airspeed, and resulted in a hard landing. During the landing roll, the pilot reported that the airplane began to veer to the left and right which progressively increased, resulting in a runway excursion to the left. During the runway excursion, the airplane impacted a taxiway sign, which disabled the brake(s). The airplane continued across the airport until it impacted a parked airplane on the ramp. As a result of the impact, a post-impact fire ensued and the airplane was destroyed. ## Aircraft - Registration: [N99SZ](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N99SZ-2019-03-07), registration cancelled 2019-03-07, S/N 6-3029, built 2015 (OpenAirDocs) - Reported make and model: VAN B ANTHONY ZODIAC (601 HDS) - Registry model: [Van B Anthony ZODIAC 601 HDS](https://openairdocs.org/model/van-b-anthony-zodiac-601-hds) (registry code 05634O3) (OpenAirDocs) - Registry engine: [Continental O-200A](https://openairdocs.org/engine/continental-o-200a) (registry code 17404, 4 cycle) (OpenAirDocs) - Category: Airplane, amateur-built - Serial number: 6-3029 - Year built: 2016 - Airframe hours: 18.8 - Engines: Continental O-200-A 100 horsepower reciprocating - Damage: Destroyed - Fire: On-Ground - Flight: Personal, Part 91 - Airworthiness certificate: Special, Experimental light sport (Special) - Last inspection: Condition, January 2, 2016 - Departed: GOO, Grass Valley, CA - Destination: GOO, Grass Valley, CA - Airport: GOO, Nevada County Air Park, runway 25, 4,351 × 75 ft, asphalt - Equipment: Data recorder ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Pilot; age 75; injuries: minor; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: sport pilot; last flight review February 16, 2016; seat: left; restraint: 3-point; flight hours: 373 total, 16 in this make and model, 317 as pilot in command, 16 in the last 90 days, 6 in the last 30 days, 1 in the last 24 hours ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day - Wind: 30° at 9 knots - Visibility: 10 statute miles - Lowest ceiling: none - Temperature: 79 °F, dew point 37 °F - Altimeter: 30.01 inHg - Observed at: KGOO ## FAA reports on this event (1) The FAA's own accident and incident reports, matched to the aircraft by N-number and date (OpenAirDocs). - [Accident 20160517009999A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20160517009999A), May 17, 2016: Zodiac 601 DDS/C441, Grass Valley, CA, Destroyed. On 5/17/16 N99SZ was involved in an aircraft accident at kgoo resulting in the aircraft being destroyed. The pilot was the sole occupant and sustained injuries… ## Docket (2 files) The files NTSB released with the investigation on July 14, 2016, on NTSB's docket system: https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket?ProjectID=93198. 2.3 MB in all. - Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report, NTSB Form 6120.1 (item 1, .PDF, 1.9 MB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40442296&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Pilot%2FOperator%20Aircraft%20Accident%20Report,%20NTSB%20Form%206120.1-Master.PDF - Accident Photo (Courtesy of FAA) (item 2, .PDF, 1 photo, 378 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40442297&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Accident%20Photo%20(Courtesy%20of%20FAA)-Master.PDF From the NTSB's public API. Aircraft are matched to registry aircraft by N-number and event date, checked against the reported serial number, make and model; the registry's history has gaps, so older matches can be wrong. Compare the reported make and model. --- OpenAirDocs.org is an independent research project of [Contrail Labs](https://contraillabs.com/). It is not affiliated with the FAA or the NTSB. Source documents are U.S. government works in the public domain.