No fatalities

Airplane Collides with Building During Aborted Landing (N63788)

Van Nuys, CA, US

On March 23, 2003, a Cessna 172P (registration N63788) operated by Michael O'connell was involved in an aviation accident near Van Nuys, CA. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the pilot's failure to maintain directional control during an aborted landing. A contributing factor is the pilot's improper recovery from a bounced landing. 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 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

While landing, a pilot experienced a high flare attitude causing a bounce. He aborted the landing but lost directional control, veered left, became airborne, and impacted a building.

Sequence of Events

During the landing flare, the pilot noted that the airplane was in a slightly high flare attitude, which resulted in a bounced landing. He initiated an aborted landing procedure. During the takeoff roll, the pilot lost directional control. The airplane veered to the left of the runway and became airborne. The pilot attempted to regain directional control using right rudder and aileron control inputs. The airplane began a turn to the right, but it was not sufficient to avoid impacting a building.

Aircraft Condition

The pilot reported no pre-impact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane.

Remarks

No other factual information was provided in the source regarding aircraft type, registration, engine count, date, operator, location, occupants, injuries, damage, time of day, weather conditions, or air traffic control involvement.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 23 Mar 2003 Cessna 172P accident near Van Nuys, CA?

While landing, a pilot experienced a high flare attitude causing a bounce. He aborted the landing but lost directional control, veered left, became airborne, and impacted a building.

Were there any fatalities in the 23 Mar 2003 Cessna 172P accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 23 Mar 2003 involved a Cessna 172P, registration N63788, operated by Michael O'connell, at Van Nuys, CA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

the pilot's failure to maintain directional control during an aborted landing. A contributing factor is the pilot's improper recovery from a bounced landing.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20030422X00547. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.