# NTSB LAX86LA353: Cessna 152, N4945H, Van Nuys, CA, September 17, 1986

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: September 16, 1986, 17:32 local (Sep 17, 1986, 00:32 UTC)
- Place: Van Nuys, CA
- Coordinates: 34.189849, -118.490615 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=34.1898&lon=-118.4906&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 2 minor
- Status: Completed, report March 10, 1988
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 25261
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX86LA353
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/25261/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX86LA353

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power(partial) - nonmechanical, takeoff - initial climb
  - preflight planning/preparation - improper, pilot in command (cause)
  - aircraft weight and balance - exceeded, pilot in command (cause)
  - ignition system,magneto - switched off (contributing factor)
  - remedial action - improper, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - aborted takeoff - not performed, pilot in command
  - lowering of flaps - improper use of, pilot in command
- Loss of control - in flight, descent - uncontrolled
- In flight collision with object, descent - uncontrolled
  - object - residence

## Analysis

THE PLT & PASSENGER, EACH WEIGHING 185 POUNDS, PLANNED A LOCAL FLIGHT IN THE RENTED CESSNA 152. THE ACFT'S FUEL TANKS WERE FULL. THE PLT REPORTED THAT DURING HIS PRETAKEOFF ENGINE RUN UP NO MECHANICAL DIFFICULTIES/MALFUNCTIONS WERE OBSERVED. THE PLT ALSO REPORTED THAT THE ACFT'S ACELERATION DURING THE TAKEOFF ROLL WAS SLOW & THE ACFT FELT 'LAZY' DURING CLIMB. WHEN THE ACFT FAILED TO GAIN ALTITUDE & IT APPEARED ADDITIONAL LIFT WOULD BE NECESSARY TO CLEAR OBSTACLES, THE PLT LOWERED THE FLAPS 10 DEG. THE ACFT STALLED, CONTROL WAS LOST, & THE ACFT CAME TO REST IN A RESIDENTIAL SWIMMING POOL. EXAM OF THE ACFT REVEALED THAT THE PLT HAD TAKEN OFF WITH THE IGNITION KEY SET TO THE LEFT MAGNETO POSITION. ALSO, AT DEPARTURE THE ACFT'S MAXIMUM GROSS WEIGHT HAD BEEN EXCEEDED BY ABOUT 15 LBS.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N4945H](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N4945H-2013-04-18), registration cancelled 2013-04-18, S/N 15284038, built 1979 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: CESSNA 152
- Registry model: [Cessna 152](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-152) (registry code 2071835) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming 0-235 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-235-series) (registry code 41505, 4 cycle) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 15284038
- Airframe hours: 2854
- Engines: LYCOMING O-235-L2C 110 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: King Aviation Center
- Registered owner: Steve Nagy & Elizabeth Nagy
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Utility
- Last inspection: 100 hour, August 21, 1986, 33 hours before
- Departed: VNY, VAN NUYS, CA
- Destination: VNY, VAN NUYS, CA
- Airport: VNY, Van Nuys, runway 34, 8,001 × 150 ft

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 46; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 361 total, 11 in the last 90 days, 1 in the last 30 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 280° at 7 knots
- Visibility: 50 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 73 °F, dew point 50 °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 19860916045299A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19860916045299A), Sep 16, 1986: Cessna 152, Van Nuys, CA, Substantial damage. The overgrossed aircraft spun to the ground after takeoff. Pilot extended flaps at low speed. Iginition on left mag

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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