# NTSB LAX67F0059: Helio H-391B, N173K, Van Nuys, CA, August 2, 1966

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Closed
- Date: August 2, 1966
- Place: Van Nuys, CA · VAN NUYS, CA
- Location: 34.1867° N, 118.4490° W: Placed by OpenAirDocs: center of Van Nuys, CA, within about 6 miles (OpenAirDocs)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=34.1867&lon=-118.4490&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Takeoff](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/300) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 2 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report December 22, 1966
- Report: Brief approved by the director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 121782
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX67F0059
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX67F0059

## NTSB brief

```
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 FILE    DATE          LOCATION          AIRCRAFT DATA       INJURIES       FLIGHT                        PILOT DATA
                                                               F  S M/N     PURPOSE
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
3-3106   66/8/2    VAN NUYS CALIF      HELIO H-391B        CR-  0  0  2  INSTRUCTIONAL             PRIVATE, AGE 49, 61 TOTAL
        TIME - 0750                    N173K               PX-  0  0  0  CHECK                     HOURS, 7 IN TYPE, NOT
                                       DAMAGE-SUBSTANTIAL  OT-  0  0  0                            INSTRUMENT RATED.
        NAME OF AIRPORT - VAN NUYS
        TYPE OF ACCIDENT                                         PHASE OF OPERATION
           GEAR COLLAPSED                                           TAKEOFF: RUN
        PROBABLE CAUSE(S)
           AIRFRAME - LANDING GEAR: MAIN GEAR-SHOCK ABSORBING ASSY,STRUTS,ATTACHMENTS,ETC.
           MISCELLANEOUS ACTS,CONDITIONS - FATIGUE FRACTURE
           PERSONNEL - MAINTENANCE,SERVICING,INSPECTION: INADEQUATE MAINTENANCE AND INSPECTION
        FACTOR(S)
           MISCELLANEOUS ACTS,CONDITIONS - PREVIOUS DAMAGE
        REMARKS- RIGHT STRUT FAILED, EVIDENCE OF OLD CRACK IN FAILURE AREA OF FORE AND AFT TRUSS.
```

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N173K](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N173K), registered now, S/N 074 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: HELIO H-391B
- Registry model: [Helio H-391B](https://openairdocs.org/model/helio-h-391b) (registry code 4300106) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming GO-435](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-go-435) (registry code 41520, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Engines: reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Airport: Van Nuys

## Other investigations on N173K (3)

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.

- [NTSB ANC94LA007](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC94LA007), Oct 8, 1993: Helio H-391-B (N173K), Beaver Creek, AK, substantial damage. Probable cause: THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN THE REQUIRED AIRSPEED DURING THE EMERGENCY DESCENT AS PUBLISHED IN THE PILOT'S MANUAL. A FACTOR IS THE LOSS OF ENGINE POWER FOR UNDETERMINED REASONS.
- [NTSB ANC80FAA15](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC80FAA15), Jun 28, 1980: Helio Acft H-250 (N173K), Northway, AK, substantial damage
- [NTSB UNK65X0217](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/UNK65X0217), Oct 10, 1964: Helio 391B (N173K), Perry, FL, substantial damage

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.

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