# NTSB LAX86FVD04: Vangrunsven RV-3A, N661S, Fortuna, CA, January 25, 1986

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Final report
- Date: January 25, 1986, 10:30 local (18:30 UTC)
- Place: Fortuna, CA
- Coordinates: 40.570682, -124.150489 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=40.5707&lon=-124.1505&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 1 fatal
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 24970
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX86FVD04
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/24970/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX86FVD04

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power(total) - mech failure/malf, takeoff - initial climb
  - fuel system,selector/valve - inoperative (cause)
  - fluid,fuel - starvation (cause)
- Forced landing, descent - emergency
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled
  - maneuver - performed, pilot in command (cause)
  - improper decision, pilot in command (cause)
  - stall - uncontrolled, pilot in command (cause)
  - lack of total experience in type operation, pilot in command (cause)

## Analysis

THE ACFT STALLED IN A TURN DURING A FORCED LANDING AFTER THE ENGINE LOST POWER. POST ACC INVESTIGATION REVEALED AN INOPERATIVE FUEL SELECTOR VALVE. WITNESSES SAID THAT THE ACFT DID NOT SOUND LIKE IT WAS DEVELOPING FULL PWR DURING TAKE OFF ROLL. SHORTLY AFTER TAKEOFF THE ENG SPUTTERED AND DIED. WHEN THE PLT TRIED TO CLIMB & TURN BACK TO THE ARPT HE LOST CONTRL AND STALLED INTO THE GROUND.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N661S](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N661S-2013-09-16), registration cancelled 2013-09-16, S/N 64661, built 1981 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: VANGRUNSVEN RV-3A
- Registry model: [Snow Richard VANGRUNSVEN RV-3](https://openairdocs.org/model/snow-richard-vangrunsven-rv-3) (registry code 05608E4) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming IO-320 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-io-320-series) (registry code 41509, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane, amateur-built
- Serial number: 64661
- Airframe hours: 1800
- Engines: LYCOMING IO-320-B1A 160 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Fire: On-Ground
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Donald A. Scott
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Experimental (Special)
- Last inspection: Annual, July 3, 1985, 22 hours before
- Departed: FOT, FORTUNA, CA
- Destination: EKA, EUREKA, CA

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 52; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, expired; seat: front; flight hours: 125 total, 30 in this make and model, 20 in the last 90 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 180° at 9 knots
- Visibility: 30 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 55 °F, dew point 37 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg

## 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 19860125002009A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19860125002009A), Jan 25, 1986: Amtrvn VANSRV3, Fortuna, CA, Destroyed. Stalled and impacted ground during attempt to return to runway after engine quit. Fuel valve not fully open.

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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