Pilot Debrief

TAYLORCRAFT DCO-65 near Tracy, CA — 2009-07-03

Final reportWPR09LA330
Sign in to save
Date
2009-07-03
Location
Tracy, CA, USA
Airport
TCY
Aircraft
TAYLORCRAFT DCO-65
Registration
N51459
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Serious
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Initial climb

Probable cause

The loss of engine power for undetermined reasons.

NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that during takeoff, the airplane seemed to "lose lift" and he observed the engine rpm at 1,800 rpm instead of 2,500 rpm. He verified the magneto switch position, mixture, and throttle settings were in their normal position. He stated that the airplane was not holding altitude and he initiated a forced landing to the southern edge of a canal. Subsequently, the airplane landed hard on the northern edge of the canal, bounced, and came to rest in the canal. Canal Water Authority personnel reported the wreckage of the airplane was not located and is presumed to have drifted downstream.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Engine power loss
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have aborted takeoff after engine rpm drop was noted.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • 2 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents2

Related mishaps