Accident Overview
On September 11, 2020, at 1501 Pacific daylight time, a Navion B, registration N37C, was destroyed when it crashed near Van Nuys Airport (VNY) in Van Nuys, California. The pilot and passenger were fatally injured. The flight was conducted under Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a personal flight.
Air Traffic Control Communications
Air Traffic control reported moderate but not complex traffic at VNY at the time of the accident. The pilot contacted the tower and indicated readiness for takeoff. The controller cleared the aircraft for takeoff from runway 16R without delay. The takeoff was uneventful. Shortly after, the controller began instructing the pilot to turn on a right crosswind but stopped and asked if the pilot was okay. No response was received from the pilot.
Witness Accounts
Witnesses observed the airplane take off to the south and noted it was flying lower than normal. The airplane initiated a right turn much earlier than typical. As the turn commenced, witnesses heard a 'pop,' followed by a 'hard right' turn. The airplane then descended nose-down with wings at a slight angle before disappearing from view. Shortly thereafter, a plume of smoke was seen.
Wreckage and Impact
The airplane impacted nose-low in a narrow parking lot approximately half a mile west of the runway surface. The wreckage was contained within a small area between two rows of vehicles. A post-crash fire ensued, consuming a large portion of the fuselage and aft fuselage. The engine, cabin area, and wings exhibited heavy accordion-style deformation and thermal damage. The empennage was present but extensively fire-damaged. The fuel selector was found in the 'MAIN' position. Flight control continuity was established throughout the airframe.
Engine Examination
The engine sustained heavy impact damage, including a large crack in the crankcase perpendicular to the split line. The cylinder valve covers were removed and showed normal operating signatures, except for the number 5-cylinder intake valve assembly, which was fracture-separated from the engine. Upper spark plugs displayed normal wear. Borescope inspection of cylinders revealed undamaged valve heads and normal combustion deposits on piston heads, with combustion chambers showing normal operating signatures. Both magnetos exhibited thermal discoloration and impact damage; ignition leads were cut near the distributor cap. Hand rotation of the magnetos produced spark at each lead end. The fuel manifold valve was disassembled, revealing fuel in the valve chamber and a clear screen. The fuel control valve showed no anomalies upon disassembly.
Toxicology
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Bioaeronautical Sciences Research Laboratory in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, performed forensic toxicology on specimens from the pilot. The results were positive for Rosuvastatin, a prescription medication deemed acceptable for FAA medical certification.