Casualties unknown

1994-12-22: Cessna 185A (N101LL) — Robert J. Van Horn — Long Beach, CA

Long Beach, CA, US

On December 22, 1994, a Cessna 185A (registration N101LL) operated by Robert J. Van Horn was involved in an aviation accident near Long Beach, CA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the pilot's failure to maintain directional control of the aircraft both during the landing and the attempted rejected landing maneuver. 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 1781061362Data APIEditorial standards

During a landing attempt on runway 25R, the aircraft touched down in a three-point attitude, swerved, and after a rejected landing, ground looped, damaging the wings.

Incident Overview

During the landing attempt on runway 25R, the pilot reported that the aircraft touched down in a three-point attitude. Shortly after touchdown, the aircraft began to swerve to the right. In response, the pilot added power, which successfully straightened the airplane's ground track. However, the situation escalated when the aircraft then swerved to the left. The pilot decided to reject the landing.

Rejected Landing and Maneuver

The pilot stated that he added full power, enabling the aircraft to lift off the ground. Despite the increase in power, the pilot stated he was unable to climb out of ground effect. Additionally, he could not prevent the aircraft from drifting left toward a large commercial aircraft hangar. These factors led to an aborted climb.

Final Landing and Ground Loop

The pilot then chose to put the aircraft back on the ground. Upon touchdown, the aircraft entered a ground loop, which resulted in damage to the wings. The sequence of events concluded with the aircraft stopped.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001206X02753. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.