# NTSB LAX86FA222: Cessna 320D, N320SD, Van Nuys, CA, May 18, 1986

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Field investigation · Final report
- Date: May 17, 1986, 17:38 local (May 18, 1986, 00:38 UTC)
- Place: Van Nuys, CA
- Coordinates: 34.19099, -118.489791 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=34.1910&lon=-118.4898&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Approach](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/500) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 6 fatal
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 24914
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX86FA222
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/24914/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX86FA222

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of control - in flight, approach - vfr pattern - base turn
  - airspeed - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
  - stall/spin - inadvertent, pilot in command
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled
  - terrain condition - open field (contributing factor)

## Analysis

THE ACFT WAS RETURNING FROM A X-COUNTRY FLT WHEN THE ACCIDENT OCCURRED. WITNESSES OBSERVED THE ACFT ON A LOW DOWNWIND LEG AND MADE TWO SUDDEN STEEP TURNS, ONE TO THE EAST FOLLOWED BY A SUDDEN STEEP TURN TO THE NORTH PRIOR TO A NOSE DOWN IMPACT INTO THE GROUND. THE WITNESSES REPORTED SEEING OR HEARING NO MECHANICAL DIFFICULTIES WITH THE AIRCRAFT PRIOR TO THE CRASH. ONE WITNESS STATED THE AIRCRAFT STALLED DURING THE LAST TURN. A REVIEW OF THE RECORDED CONVERSATION BETWEEN THE PILOT AND THE AIR TRAFFIC CONTROLLER DID NOT REVEAL ANY UNUSUAL CIRCUMSTANCES DURING THE LANDING APPROACH.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N320SD](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N320SD-2014-09-29), registration cancelled 2014-09-29, S/N 320D0068, built 1965 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: CESSNA 320D
- Registry model: [Cessna 320D](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-320d) (registry code 2074512) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Continental IO-520 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/continental-io-520-series) (registry code 17032, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 320D0068
- Airframe hours: 1733
- Engines: CONTINENTAL TSIO-520-B 285 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Stanley Daniels, M.D.
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, January 10, 1986, 20 hours before
- Departed: MOJ, MOJAVE, CA
- Airport: VNY, Van Nuys, runway 34L, 8,000 × 150 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 56; private; airplane ratings: multi-engine land, single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; toxicology performed; flight hours: 618 total, 76 in this make and model, 450 as pilot in command, 11 in the last 90 days, 4 in the last 30 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 280° at 15 knots
- Visibility: 15 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 86 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg
- Observed at: VNY, 2 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 19860517017809A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19860517017809A), May 17, 1986: Cessna 320D, Van Nuys, CA, Destroyed, 5 fatal. The aircraft stalled and impacted the ground while maneuvering at low altitude in the traffic pattern for landing.

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.

---
OpenAirDocs.org is an independent research project of [Contrail Labs](https://contraillabs.com/). It is not affiliated with the FAA or the NTSB. Source documents are U.S. government works in the public domain.