# NTSB LAX85LA027: Piper PA-28-161, N2099U, Van Nuys, CA, October 5, 1984

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: October 5, 1984, 10:05 local (17:05 UTC)
- Place: Van Nuys, CA
- Coordinates: 34.189804, -118.49076 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=34.1898&lon=-118.4908&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Landing](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/550) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 24583
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX85LA027
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/24583/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX85LA027

## Analysis

THE STUDENT PLT WAS ON HIS 3RD SUPERVISED SOLO FLT & STAYED IN THE TRAFFIC PATTERN TO PRACTICE LANDINGS. ON THE 2ND APPROACH TO LAND, THE ACFT BALLOONED DURING THE FLARE & YAWED TO THE LEFT. THE ACFT TOUCHED DOWN & IMMEDIATELY VEERED LEFT, WENT OFF THE RWY & STRUCK AN ARPT SIGN.

## Sequence of events

In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf).

- Loss of control - on ground/water, landing - flare/touchdown
  - directional control - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
  - lack of total experience, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - ground loop/swerve - uncontrolled, pilot in command
- On ground/water collision with object, landing - roll

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N2099U](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N2099U-2016-09-26), registration cancelled 2016-09-26, S/N 28-7916312, built 1979 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA-28-161
- Registry model: [Piper PA-28-161](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-28-161) (registry code 7102803) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming 0-320 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-320-series) (registry code 41508, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 28-7916312
- Airframe hours: 1468
- Engines: LYCOMING O-320-D3G 160 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Instructional, Part 91
- Operator: Alpha Aviation Inc
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Utility; Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: 100 hour, September 26, 1984, 6 hours before
- Departed: VNY, VAN NUYS, CA
- Airport: UNY, Van Nuys, runway 16L, 4,000 × 75 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 36; student; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; flight hours: 31 total, 27 in this make and model, 1 as pilot in command, 7 in the last 90 days, 4 in the last 30 days, 1 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: calm
- Visibility: 5 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 1,500 ft overcast
- Temperature: 63 °F, dew point 55 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: VNY

## 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 19841005057649A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19841005057649A), Oct 5, 1984: Piper PA28161, Van Nuys, CA, Substantial damage. Solo student ballooned and yawed left. Veered off runway on touchdown and struck a sign.

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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