On May 18, 1986, a Cessna 320D (registration N320SD) was involved in an aviation accident near Van Nuys, CA. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
An aircraft returning from a cross-country flight crashed after executing two sudden steep turns on a low downwind leg. Witnesses reported no mechanical issues; one indicated a stall during the final turn.
Accident Sequence
The aircraft was returning from a cross-country flight when the accident occurred. Witnesses observed the aircraft on a low downwind leg, where it made two sudden steep turns: first to the east, followed immediately by a steep turn to the north. Subsequently, the aircraft descended nose-down and impacted the ground.
Witness Observations
Multiple witnesses reported seeing or hearing no mechanical difficulties with the aircraft prior to the crash. One witness stated that the aircraft stalled during the last turn. No other anomalies were noted by witnesses.
Pilot-Controller Communication
A review of the recorded conversation between the pilot and the air traffic controller did not reveal any unusual circumstances during the landing approach.