# NTSB LAX86FA016: Ofria Glanair, N179SH, Van Nuys, CA, October 15, 1985

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Field investigation · Final report
- Date: October 15, 1985, 10:21 local (17:21 UTC)
- Place: Van Nuys, CA
- Coordinates: 34.190563, -118.489822 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=34.1906&lon=-118.4898&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 2 fatal
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 24876
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX86FA016
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/24876/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX86FA016

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of control - in flight, takeoff - initial climb
  - aircraft handling - improper, pilot in command (cause)
  - climb - excessive, pilot in command (cause)
  - stall - inadvertent, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

WINTESSES STATED THAT THE ACFT HAD JUST DEPARTED AND, DURING THE INITIAL STEEP CLIMB, IT APPEARED TO ATTEMPT TO RETURN TO THE ARPT, STALLED, AND SPUN TO GOUND CONTACT 1/4 MILE NORTH OF THE ARPT. POST ACCIDENT EXAMINATION FAILED TO DISCLOSEANY PREIMPACT FAILURE/MALFUNCTION OF THE ACFT AND/OR ENG.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N179SH](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N179SH-1989-03-14), registration cancelled 1989-03-14, S/N 179 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: OFRIA GLANAIR
- Registry model: [Ofria Joseph H GLASAIR](https://openairdocs.org/model/ofria-joseph-h-glasair) (registry code 05655GG) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane, amateur-built
- Serial number: 179
- Airframe hours: 300
- Engines: LYCOMING O-320 150 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Fire: On-Ground
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Joseph N. Ofria
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Experimental (Special)
- Destination: CNO, CHINO, CA
- Airport: VNY, Van Nuys

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 56; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; toxicology performed; flight hours: 358 total, 300 in this make and model

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 360° at 19 knots
- Visibility: 25 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 81 °F, dew point 30 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: VNY, 1 nm away

## 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 19851015052369A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19851015052369A), Oct 15, 1985: Amtr GLASAIR, Van Nuys, CA, Destroyed. Stalled and spun after takeoff climb with a nose high attitude. Appeared to make a turn back to airport.

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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