An sct controller described an event when an arrival being vectored across the localizer and given a...

Narrative:

Air carrier X was on a vector across the localizer for spacing; I think I issued a left turn to heading 190. However; the aircraft turned right; so I continued the right turn with a vector of 210 to keep the aircraft in the turn. I think the aircraft may have entered a 4000 foot MVA; the aircraft was descending to the assigned altitude of 3000 feet. Recommend that you ensure you hear the read back of direction of turn.

Original NASA ASRS Text

Title: An SCT Controller described an event when an arrival being vectored across the localizer and given a turn back entered a higher MVA during the turn. The Reporter was unsure of the issued turn direction.

Narrative: Air Carrier X was on a vector across the localizer for spacing; I think I issued a left turn to heading 190. However; the aircraft turned right; so I continued the right turn with a vector of 210 to keep the aircraft in the turn. I think the aircraft may have entered a 4000 foot MVA; the aircraft was descending to the assigned altitude of 3000 feet. Recommend that you ensure you hear the read back of direction of turn.

Data retrieved from NASA's ASRS site as of April 2012 and automatically converted to unabbreviated mixed upper/lowercase text. This report is for informational purposes with no guarantee of accuracy. See NASA's ASRS site for official report.

Attributes
ACN	862911
Time
Date	200912
Local Time Of Day	1201-1800
Place
Locale Reference	SCT.TRACON
State Reference	CA
Aircraft 1
Make Model Name	A320
Operating Under FAR Part	Part 121
Flight Phase	Final Approach
Route In Use	Vectors
Flight Plan	IFR
Person 1
Function	Approach
Qualification	Air Traffic Control Fully Certified
Events
Anomaly	Inflight Event / Encounter CFTT / CFIT

An sct controller described an event when an arrival being vectored across the localizer and given a turn back entered a higher MVA during the turn. The reporter was unsure of the issued turn direction.