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Casualties unknown

Pilot Collides with Terrain Near Burbank Airport During VFR Flight (N26313)

Lake View, CA, US

On January 22, 1989, a Grumman AA5A (registration N26313) was involved in an aviation accident near Lake View, CA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain visual lookout and avoid terrain while flying in marginal weather conditions. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-06-19Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot flying under visual flight rules near Burbank entered a box canyon obscured by clouds and collided with terrain while executing a turn.

What happened

The incident occurred while the pilot was conducting a VFR flight to Whiteman Airport. After passing west of the airport, the pilot elected to fly around the north side of the Burbank Airspace Reservation Area (ARSA). The area north of the airport features high mountainous terrain that was obscured by clouds. The pilot inadvertently entered into a box canyon and collided with the terrain when he was executing a 180 degree turn.

Findings

The primary factor leading to the accident was the pilot's inadvertent entry into a box canyon with terrain obscured by clouds during a maneuver.

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain visual lookout and avoid terrain while flying in marginal weather conditions.
Controlled flight into terrain

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 22 Jan 1989 Grumman AA5A accident near Lake View, CA?

A pilot flying under visual flight rules near Burbank entered a box canyon obscured by clouds and collided with terrain while executing a turn.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 22 Jan 1989 involved a Grumman AA5A, registration N26313, at Lake View, CA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's failure to maintain visual lookout and avoid terrain while flying in marginal weather conditions.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X27603. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.