# NTSB LAX97LA085: Mooney M20K, N305NH, Van Nuys, CA, January 9, 1997 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report - Date: January 9, 1997, 13:33 local (21:33 UTC) - Place: Van Nuys, CA - Coordinates: 34.19075, -118.48999 (estimated) - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=34.1908&lon=-118.4900&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Landing](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/550) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Highest injury: No injuries - Injuries: 4 uninjured - Status: Completed, report May 30, 1997 - Report: Approved by Office Director - NTSB case key (mKey): 29714 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX97LA085 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/29714/pdf - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX97LA085 ## Probable cause the pilot's failure to maintain directional control of the aircraft during landing rollout. ## Sequence of events In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf). - Loss of control - on ground/water, landing - roll - directional control - not maintained, pilot in command (cause) - ground loop/swerve - On ground/water collision with object, landing - roll - object - airport sign/marker ## Analysis The aircraft veered off runway 16R during the landing rollout, and collided with a runway sign. The pilot reported that 'there were no apparent mechanical problems with the aircraft and that weather was not a factor.' He stated that after touchdown, the aircraft immediately veered to the left. He applied right rudder, but the aircraft did not respond, and it veered off the runway into the grass. The aircraft was examined by an FAA airworthiness inspector, who reported that the brakes were in normal condition with adequate life left on the linings. Both brakes functioned properly when the brake pedals were depressed, and the nose gear steering mechanism was intact and functioned properly. ## Factual narrative On January 9, 1997, at 1333 hours Pacific standard time, a Mooney M20K, N305NH, veered off runway 16R during the landing rollout at Van Nuys Airport, Van Nuys, California, colliding with a runway sign. The aircraft was owned and operated by the private, instrument rated pilot, and was completing a personal cross-country flight from Las Vegas, Nevada. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and an IFR flight plan was filed. The aircraft incurred substantial damage. The pilot and the three passengers were not injured. The flight originated in Las Vegas at 1215 on the day of the accident. In a telephone interview conducted shortly following the accident flight, the pilot reported that "there were no apparent mechanical problems with the aircraft and that weather was not a factor." The pilot indicated in his written statement that he "touched down close to the center line at approximately 65 knots on the main gear then the nose touched down. Plane immediately veered to the left. I applied right rudder. Plane did not respond. I applied more right rudder pressure but plane went into the grass off the runway." The aircraft was examined by an Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) airworthiness inspector from the Van Nuys Flight Standards District Office on January 16, 1997. The inspector stated in his written report that he ". . . inspected the brakes and found them in normal condition with adequate life left on the linings, and that both brakes functioned properly when the brake pedals were depressed." The inspector further reported that ". . . the nose gear steering mechanism was intact and functioned properly when each rudder pedal was depressed in each direction." ## Aircraft - Registration: [N305NH](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N305NH), registered now, S/N 25-0718 (OpenAirDocs) - Reported make and model: Mooney M20K - Registry model: [Mooney M20K](https://openairdocs.org/model/mooney-m20k) (registry code 5870220) (OpenAirDocs) - Registry engine: [Continental TSIO-360 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/continental-tsio-360-series) (registry code 17019, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs) - Category: Airplane - Serial number: 25-0718 - Airframe hours: 1315 - Engines: Continental TSIO-520-NB 310 horsepower reciprocating - Damage: Substantial damage - Flight: Personal, Part 91 - Registered owner: Norman S. Halperin - Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal - Last inspection: Annual, March 16, 1996, 65 hours before - Departed: LAS, LAS VEGAS, NV - Destination: VNY, CA - Flight plan: IFR - Airport: VNY, Van Nuys, runway 16R, 8,001 × 150 ft, asphalt ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Pilot; age 44; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; flight hours: 676 total, 502 in this make and model, 552 as pilot in command, 13 in the last 90 days, 3 in the last 30 days, 2 in the last 24 hours ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day - Wind: 160° at 6 knots - Visibility: 10 statute miles - Lowest ceiling: none - Temperature: 64 °F, dew point 36 °F - Altimeter: 30.00 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 19970109000279A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19970109000279A), Jan 9, 1997: Mooney M20K, Van Nuys, CA, Substantial damage. Lost directional control landing. Veered off runway. No anomalies. (.19) on January 9, 1997, at 1331 hours pacific standard time, a Mooney M20K, N305NH, veered… 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.