No fatalities

18 Jul 2018: Diamond DA20 C1 — Amval Llc — Van Nuys, CA

Van Nuys, CA, United States

On 18 Jul 2018, a Diamond DA20 C1 operated by Amval Llc was involved in an aviation accident near Van Nuys, CA. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The student pilot's failure to maintain directional control during landing in a left quartering headwind, which resulted in a ground loop. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 12 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

SourcesNTSBPrimary reportUpdated 1778583330Data APIEditorial standards

A student pilot experienced a ground loop during landing when a crosswind lifted the left wing; the right landing gear collapsed, causing substantial fuselage damage.

Accident Details

A student pilot reported that during landing shortly after touchdown, a crosswind lifted the left wing, causing the airplane to veer left. The pilot applied opposite aileron to correct, but the airplane ground looped to the left, resulting in the collapse of the right landing gear.

Damage

The airplane sustained substantial damage to the lower right section of the fuselage.

Pilot Report

The student pilot stated that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions that would have precluded normal operation.

Weather Conditions

The automated weather observation station at the airport reported that about 30 minutes before the accident, the wind was from 130° at 8 knots. Approximately 15 minutes after the accident, the wind was from 100° at 9 knots. The airplane landed on runway 16R.

Contributing factors

Causes

Directional control — Not attained/maintainedStudent/instructed pilot

Other contributing factors

Effect on operation