Diamond DA20
Van Nuys, CA — July 18, 2018
Event Information
| Date | July 18, 2018 |
| Event Type | ACC |
| NTSB Number | GAA18CA474 |
| Event ID | 20180807X41559 |
| Location | Van Nuys, CA |
| Country | USA |
| Coordinates | 34.20972, -118.49000 |
| Airport | VAN NUYS |
| Highest Injury | NONE |
Aircraft
| Make | Diamond |
| Model | DA20 |
| Category | AIR |
| FAR Part | 091 |
| Aircraft Damage | SUBS |
Conditions
| Light Condition | DUSK |
| Weather | VMC |
Injuries
| Fatal | 0 |
| Serious | 0 |
| Minor | 0 |
| None | 2 |
| Total Injured | 0 |
Event Location
Probable Cause
The student pilot's failure to maintain directional control during landing in a left quartering headwind, which resulted in a ground loop.
Full Narrative
The student pilot reported that, during landing, shortly after touchdown, a "crosswind lifted the left wing" and the airplane veered left. He corrected with opposite aileron, but the airplane ground looped to the left and the right landing gear collapsed.
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the lower right section of the fuselage.
The student pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
The automated weather observation station located on the airport reported that, about 30 minutes before the accident, the wind was from 130° at 8 knots and about 15 minutes after the accident, the wind was from 100º at 9 knots. The airplane landed on runway 16R.
About This NTSB Record
This aviation event was investigated by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). NTSB investigates all U.S. civil aviation accidents to determine probable cause and issue safety recommendations to prevent future accidents.