# NTSB LAX85LA104: Smith Miniplane DSA-1, N5111V, Van Nuys, CA, January 10, 1985

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: January 10, 1985, 15:44 local (23:44 UTC)
- Place: Van Nuys, CA
- Coordinates: 34.189632, -118.489822 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=34.1896&lon=-118.4898&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Takeoff](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/300) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 1 minor
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 24629
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX85LA104
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/24629/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX85LA104

## Sequence of events

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

- Dragged wing,rotor,pod,float or tail/skid, takeoff - roll/run
  - flt control syst,aileron control - improper (cause)
  - maintenance,installation - improper, other maintenance personnel (cause)
  - aircraft preflight - improper, pilot in command (cause)
  - lack of recent experience, pilot in command
- Loss of control - on ground/water, takeoff - roll/run
  - directional control - not possible
  - ground loop/swerve - uncontrolled

## Analysis

THIS WAS THE INITIAL TEST FLT AFTER INSTALLATION OF REBUILT WINGS. ON THE TAKEOFF ROLL, THE ACFT BEGAN DRIFTING TO THE RIGHT & THE PLT CORRECTED WITH LEFT AILERON. HE STATED THAT THE ACFT 'WHIPPED VIOLENTLY FURTHER TO RIGHT, CAUGHT A WING TIP & GROUND LOOPED.'  AN EXAM DISCLOSED THAT THE AILERON BELLCRANK WAS IMPROPERLY INSTALLED CAUSING THE AILERONS TO RESPOND IN REVERSE.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N5111V](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N5111V-2013-03-25), registration cancelled 2013-03-25, S/N 2, built 1962 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: SMITH MINIPLANE DSA-1
- Registry model: [Smith Miniplane DSA-1](https://openairdocs.org/model/smith-miniplane-dsa-1) (registry code 83501WV) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming 0-290 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-290-series) (registry code 41506, 4 cycle) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane, amateur-built
- Serial number: 2
- Airframe hours: 600
- Engines: LYCOMING O-290 115 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Part 91
- Registered owner: Aron S. Rapporport
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Experimental (Special)
- Last inspection: Annual, January 10, 1984, 0 hours before
- Departed: VYN
- Airport: VNY, Van Nuys, runway 16R, 8,000 × 150 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 58; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land, multi-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: center; flight hours: 3,520 total, 300 in this make and model, 3,350 as pilot in command

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: calm
- Visibility: 25 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 5,000 ft broken
- Temperature: 61 °F, dew point 37 °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 19850110000519A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19850110000519A), Jan 10, 1985: Amtrsm DSA1, Van Nuys, CA, Substantial damage. On takeoff roll pilot used aileron control and aircraft ground looped. Aileron bellcrank improperly installed.

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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