# NTSB LAX85LA278: Piper J3C-65, N30738, Van Nuys, CA, June 16, 1985

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: June 16, 1985, 14:21 local (21:21 UTC)
- Place: Van Nuys, CA
- Location: 34.2241° N, 118.4924° W: Placed by OpenAirDocs from NTSB’s distance and direction from VAN NUYS (VNY), within about a mile (OpenAirDocs)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=34.2241&lon=-118.4924&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Approach](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/500) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 24743
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX85LA278
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/24743/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX85LA278

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power, approach - vfr pattern - final approach
  - reason for occurrence undetermined (cause)
- In flight collision with object, descent - emergency
  - object - utility pole (contributing factor)
  - visual lookout - inadequate, pilot in command (contributing factor)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

AN ENG FAILUE WAS EXPERIENCED WHILE ON FINAL APCH TO RWY 16R AND THE PLT ELECTED TO MAKE THE FORCED LANDING ON A SOD FARM NEAR THE ARPT. HE STATED HE HAD PLENTY OF ALT TO REACH THE SELECTED TOUCHDOWN POINT, BUT HE MADE A SLIGHT LEFT TURN TO AVOID LARGE TREES. HE DID NOT SEE A STREET LIGHT WHICH WAS NOW IN HIS APCH PATH. THE ACFT CONTACTED THE LIGHT AND COLLIDED WITH THE TERRAIN SHORT OF THE PLANNED TOUCHDOWN POINT. THE CAUSE OF THE REPORTED ENG FAILURE WAS NOT DETERMINED.

## Aircraft

- Registration: N30738 (not matched to a registry record)
- Reported make and model: PIPER J3C-65
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 5077
- Airframe hours: 1850
- Engines: CONTINENTAL C-85 85 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Robert W. Stromquist
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, May 20, 1985
- Airport: VNY, Van Nuys

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 63; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: front; flight hours: 605 total, 73 in this make and model, 485 as pilot in command, 22 in the last 90 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 110° at 4 knots
- Visibility: 7 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 20,000 ft broken
- Temperature: 84 °F, dew point 54 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 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 19850616025439A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19850616025439A), Jun 16, 1985: Piper J3C65, Van Nuys, CA, Substantial damage. Engine failed during forced landing, struck a street light. Landed short of intended area. Unknown malfunction.

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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