Tracy Municipal Airport, Tracy, CA

Airport Location: The Tracy Municipal Airport is located 3 miles south west of Tracy, California.

Airport History :


Tracy Municipal Airport Today: Agricultural operations; Aerobatics; s; s; s; s; Ultralights; gyrocopters; Ballooining; Helicopter operations;



Airport Services & Amenities: Sky View Aviation: Aerobatic practice area east of runway; Taxis and Rental cars available; Food and lodging within 4 miles;

Special Events and Attractions: Golf; Shopping;

Airport Area Accident History:

On July 3, 2009, about 1230 Pacific daylight time, a Taylorcraft DCO-65 airplane, N51459, sustained substantial damage during a forced landing following a loss of engine power after takeoff from the Tracy Municipal Airport, Tracy, California. The airplane was registered to, and operated by, the pilot under the provisions of Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91. The student pilot sustained serious injuries and his passenger sustained minor injuries. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed for the personal flight. The local flight was originating at the time of the accident.

The pilot reported that prior to takeoff; he conducted an engine run and checked the magnetos and carburetor heat. The pilot checked the airport traffic area, taxied onto the runway, and proceeded to takeoff. As the airplane climbed through about 300 to 350 feet above ground level (agl), the pilot reported that the airplane seemed to "lose lift" and noted that the engine rpm was at 1,800 rpm instead of 2,500 rpm. The pilot verified the magneto switch position, mixture, and throttle settings were in there normal position. The pilot stated that the airplane was not holding altitude and he initiated a forced landing to the south of the Delta-Mendota Canal. Subsequently, the airplane landed hard on the northern side of the canal, bounced, and went into the waters of the canal. The pilot and passenger exited the airplane as it began to sink in the water.

Local law enforcement reported floating debris from the airplane on the water surface. Canal Water Authority personnel reported that despite numerous attempts, the wreckage of the airplane has not been located and is presumed to have drifted downstream.
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Accident occurred Saturday, March 08, 2008 in Tracy, CA
Probable Cause Approval Date: 4/30/2008
Aircraft: American Champion (ACAC) 7GCAA, registration: N75SE
Injuries: 2 Uninjured.
The certified flight instructor (CFI) was demonstrating a simulated engine failure during takeoff initial climb by executing a 180-degree turn back to the airport. As the CFI was completing the maneuver, he initiated a go-around by applying full power. Subsequently the airplane stalled and impacted the runway in a left-wing low attitude. The CFI stated he was aware of the tailwind condition he would encounter as the airplane completed the 180-degree turn and that upon exiting the airplane, he noted the wind to be considerably higher than he had expected. Examination of the airplane revealed that the left and right wings sustained substantial damage. No anomalies were noted with the engine or flight control systems. The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident as follows: The flight instructor's inadequate compensation for the tailwind condition and failure to maintain adequate airspeed that led to an inadvertent stall. ===
Accident occurred Thursday, October 25, 2007 in Tracy, CA
Probable Cause Approval Date: 7/30/2008
Aircraft: North Wing Mustang II 17.5, registration: NONE
Injuries: 1 Fatal.
No witnesses observed the pilot depart on the flight or the accident sequence. The pilot owned and operated the unregistered airplane. Based upon an examination of the accident site and wreckage, the airplane experienced an in-flight non-mechanical structural failure, which resulted in a loss of wing rigidity. The airplane impacted the ground in an uncontrolled descent. All major structural airframe and engine components were accounted for at the site. The leading edges of the wings were mostly undamaged, indicating they folded prior to impact. A propeller chunk was found imbedded in a strut, indicating crankshaft rotation under torque during the accident sequence as the wings folded. Hardware associated with the pullback shackle (assembly), which provides structural support to the wings for rigidity, was missing. The wings were found folded inward from their normal in-flight rigid position. Specifically, a bolt, horseshoe shackle, and the nylon strap were missing. Because these components were not located, no determination could be made regarding whether the bolt had failed, the nut had become loose, or the parts had been inadequately modified following their manufacture. The airplane did not meet the requirements of FAR Part 103, and night flying was not permissible under FAA regulation. Toxicology revealed evidence of tetrahydrocannabinol and tetrahydrocannabinol carboxylic acid (marihuana) in blood samples.
The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident as follows: Failure or disconnection of a wing support/brace assembly for undetermined reasons during an undetermined phase of flight. ===
Accident occurred Sunday, July 08, 2007 in Tracy, CA
Probable Cause Approval Date: 6/30/2008
Aircraft: Cessna 152, registration: N95038
Injuries: 1 Minor.
The student pilot experienced a partial loss of engine power while cruising at 5,500 feet mean sea level. The engine's rpm surged, became "very erratic," and partial power was lost. Despite application of carburetor heat and troubleshooting for causative factors, the pilot was unable to restore engine power. He made a precautionary landing at a nearby airport. With a faster than normal approach speed, the airplane touched down hard and bounced, and the student pilot lost directional control. Thereafter, the airplane veered off the runway and nosed over in a tomato field about 50 yards beyond the side of the runway. The operator maintained the airplane on a program of annual and 100-hour inspections. The last 100-inspection was performed about 35 hours prior to the accident flight. The post accident examination of the airplane's logbooks revealed record keeping deficiencies, and an examination of the engine revealed inadequate maintenance. For example, recording errors relating to the airplane's operating time were noted in the logbooks, and compliance entries for airworthiness directives were omitted. An examination of the engine revealed one spark plug was only finger tight, a cylinder had signs of excessive oil on its spark plugs, and it appeared not to be firing. All four bottom plugs had excessive carbon buildup and were fouled, and the intake air filter was dirty and partially plugged. No sole cause for the loss of engine power was ascertained. The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident as follows: The pilot's improper recovery from a bounced landing and his failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll. Contributing to the accident were the operator's inadequate engine maintenance, which precipitated the loss of engine power, the pilot's excessive approach airspeed and the crop. ===
Accident occurred Sunday, August 13, 2006 in Tracy, CA
Probable Cause Approval Date: 2/28/2008
Aircraft: Sicheneder Pitts S1S, registration: N22JF
Injuries: 1 Uninjured.
The pilot landed the airplane within the first 1,000 feet of the runway, just right of the centerline. During the rollout, the airplane encountered a dip in the runway, and the pilot felt the landing gear 'flex'. The airplane then veered to the left, and the pilot attempted to correct with right rudder and brake; however, the airplane swerved and nosed over. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the lower right wing, upper left wing, and the vertical stabilizer. The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident as follows: The failure of the pilot to maintain directional control during the landing rollout. ===
Accident occurred Monday, May 15, 2006 in Tracy, CA
Probable Cause Approval Date: 4/25/2007
Aircraft: Grumman G-164B, registration: N8981H
Injuries: 1 Uninjured.
The engine lost partial power during takeoff and the airplane nosed over during a forced landing in a field. The pilot said that during the takeoff-initial climb, the engine experienced a partial loss of power and the airplane would not climb. The pilot made an attempt to jettison the pesticide load; however, the airplane impacted the ground before he could fully manipulate the dump controls and it came to rest inverted. A Federal Aviation Administration airworthiness inspector examined the engine, propeller, and propeller governor following the accident and no mechanical anomalies were noted. Due to damage sustained in the accident, control continuity between the cockpit control and propeller governor could not be confirmed. The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident as follows: loss of power for undetermined reasons. ===
Accident occurred Monday, September 26, 2005 in Tracy, CA
Probable Cause Approval Date: 2/26/2007
Aircraft: Cessna A185F, registration: N8548Q
Injuries: 4 Uninjured.
During the takeoff initial climb the engine experienced a partial loss of power and the landing gear collapsed during an ensuing off-airport forced landing in an open field. Upon arriving at the airport, the pilot conducted a preflight inspection, which included checking the fuel tanks for contamination. No discrepancies were noted with the preflight inspection, start-up, taxi to the active runway, or run-up. Shortly after takeoff the pilot reduced the throttle and revolutions per minute (rpm) to 25 inches of manifold pressure (MAP) and 2,500 rpm for best rate of climb. Shortly after that the pilot noticed that the climb performance was substandard and decaying, and the engine seemed to have a reduced power output. Due to the marginal climb performance and decaying power state of the engine, the pilot decided to land in an open field. During a turn to remain over the intended landing site, the engine started to misfire. Engine power continued to decay even though the throttle was full forward, mixture set at rich, and the fuel selector was selected to BOTH. While on downwind he noted obstructions at the end of his intended landing site. At the current rate of descent, he believed that the airplane would overrun the field and impact the obstructions. He lowered the flaps to 20 degrees and initiated a left 90-degree turn for a clearer area in which to land. During the flare, the left wing tip impacted the ground first, the airplane bounced, and when it touched down again, the right main landing gear collapsed. A post accident inspection and ground run of the engine was conducted by a Federal Aviation Administration inspector with no preimpact mechanical anomalies identified that would have precluded normal operation. The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident as follows: loss of engine power for undetermined reasons. ===
Accident occurred Sunday, May 01, 2005 in Tracy, CA
Probable Cause Approval Date: 9/13/2005
Aircraft: Aerotek Pitts S-2A, registration: N5300V
Injuries: 1 Minor, 1 Uninjured.
During landing, the pilot lost directional control, ground looped, and nosed over. The pilot stated that he departed the airport to go to the practice area. Upon returning to the airport, he used a slipping final for visibility, and to correct for a crosswind. When the wheels touched down, the airplane began to deviate left of center. The pilot corrected to the right, the left wing contacted the ground, and the airplane crossed to the right side of runway. The prop struck the runway and the airplane slowly nosed over. The pilot then turned off the fuel, master switch, and magnetos. Both occupants exited from the inverted airplane by sliding the canopy open. The closest official weather observation station was located 15 nautical miles (nm) northeast of the accident site and was reporting winds variable at 06 knots. The pilot reported that the winds at the airport were from 280 degrees at 12 knots. The pilot stated that the airplane and engine had no mechanical failures or malfunctions during the flight. The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident as follows: the pilot's inadequate compensation for the crosswind conditions and failure to maintain directional control, which resulted in a ground loop and nose over. ===
Accident occurred Tuesday, February 17, 2004 in Tracy, CA
Probable Cause Approval Date: 6/8/2005
Aircraft: Grumman-Schweizer G-164B, registration: N6774K
Injuries: 1 Uninjured.
While the pilot was cruising between airstrips during an agricultural flight, the engine's power output fluctuated. Then, engine power was lost. The pilot attempted to make a forced landing in a nearby field. However, on approach the airplane impacted a dirt berm and nosed over in the soft field. Thereafter, it was destroyed by a ground fire. The event that precipitated the loss of engine power was not ascertained because of the fire damage to the airplane.
The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident as follows: A loss of engine power for undetermined reasons during cruise flight. ===
Accident occurred Thursday, August 28, 2003 in Tracy, CA
Probable Cause Approval Date: 12/28/2004
Aircraft: Petz Flying Boat, registration: N1216Z
Injuries: 1 Fatal.
A single engine, amphibian, four person airplane, designed and built by the pilot, lost propeller thrust and collided with terrain. Witnesses stated the airplane took off and climbed to about 150 feet, when it started to turn back to the airport. As it turned, it descended into a gravel pit area, collided with a raised embankment, and was immediately engulfed in fire. Examination of the wreckage revealed that the engine exhaust outlet was about 9 inches from the composite propeller. Hot exhaust gasses from the outlet weakened the propeller blades, ultimately resulting in propeller failure and lost of propeller thrust.
The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident as follows: The inadequate design of the engine exhaust system and inappropriate selection of propeller materials by the designer/builder, which resulted in separation of the propeller blades during takeoff/initial climb, and a subsequent in-flight collision with terrain during the ensuing off-airport emergency landing. ===
Accident occurred Friday, May 30, 2003 in Tracy, CA
Probable Cause Approval Date: 12/28/2004
Aircraft: Aero Vodochody L-39, registration: N139RH
Injuries: 1 Fatal.
The single engine, two seat, jet airplane impacted the ground while pulling out of a low level loop. The airplane was practicing low level team aerobatics with two other similar jet airplanes. The established hard deck for the practice was 1,000 feet. The lead jet entered a loop maneuver at about 1,500 feet and impacted the ground while pulling out at the bottom of the maneuver. During the end of the maneuver the wings rocked and the nose pitched down. Examination of the ejection seat mechanism disclosed no evidence that the pilot attempted to eject from the airplane. No evidence of a control system malfunction was found and the damage to the engine was consistent with it developing significant power at ground impact. The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident as follows: the pilot's failure to maintain adequate terrain clearance while performing low level aerobatics. ===
Accident occurred Monday, March 03, 2003 in Tracy, CA
Probable Cause Approval Date: 1/31/2007
Aircraft: Aero Commander 690A, registration: N132JH
Injuries: 1 Serious, 3 Uninjured.
The airplane veered off the runway surface during the takeoff ground roll and collapsed the right main landing gear after encountering an irrigation ditch at the side of the 40-foot-wide runway. A check pilot was accompanying the pilot on the flight so the pilot could gain experience in the newly purchased airplane. Prior to departure, the pilot performed a preflight inspection and the check pilot conducted a quick walk around visual examination of the airplane. As the airplane was on the departure roll, the pilot experienced a loss of directional control and veered off the right side of the runway. The check pilot stated that there were no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane and thought that the pilot lost control of the airplane due to his limited experience in the airplane. The pilot had 33.2 hours in the accident airplane, all of which were accumulated in the 10-day period prior to the accident. According to the Commander 690A flight manual systems description, the nose wheel steering is hydraulically actuated by light toe pressure on the brake pedals in the desired direction of turn, and heavier pressure will apply the brake on that side as well as turn the nose wheel. The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident as follows: the failure of the pilot to maintain directional control during the departure roll on a narrow runway. A factor in the accident was the pilot's limited experience in the airplane. ===
Accident occurred Saturday, July 21, 2001 in Tracy, CA
Probable Cause Approval Date: 11/28/2001
Aircraft: Hughes 269C, registration: N5015V
Injuries: 2 Uninjured.
The flight instructor stated that he was demonstrating an autorotation to his student when the accident occurred. He said that he initiated a straight in autorotation to runway 30 at 600 feet above ground level (agl). The descent rate was stabilized until 200 feet agl, when he felt a sudden increase in the rate of descent. He began the flare at 50 feet agl. He stated that the vertical speed did not decrease at the rate he was accustomed to, resulting in a hard landing. He stated that the tail boom hit the ground first in a right yawing moment. The helicopter then rolled to the right, crushing the right skid, severing the tail boom, and allowing the rotor blades to contact the ground. He noted that no mechanical problems existed with the helicopter during the flight. He did not notice any mechanical anomalies during the autorotation demonstration. He stated that the engine was running normally during the autorotation and the landing flare. The pilot stated that wind shear may have been a factor. He had observed the winds to be from the northwest at 8 knots, and gusts to 12 knots with light turbulence. The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident as follows: The pilot's misjudgement of the landing flare during an autorotation demonstration. Factors were shifting winds and an excessive descent rate. ===
Accident occurred Friday, September 22, 2000 in TRACY, CA
Probable Cause Approval Date: 7/17/2001
Aircraft: Grumman-Schweizer G-164B, registration: N8981H
Injuries: 1 Uninjured.
The pilot of the agricultural application aircraft reported that the aircraft's engine lost power during a turnaround maneuver, and, during the ensuing forced landing, the aircraft rolled through a muddy bog and nosed over. Postaccident examination revealed that the number 1 connecting rod failed. The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident as follows: Loss of engine power due to failure and separation of the number one connecting rod. ===
Accident occurred Tuesday, August 01, 2000 in TRACY, CA
Probable Cause Approval Date: 4/18/2003
Aircraft: Grumman G-164B, registration: N6737K
Injuries: 1 Fatal.
The pilot made an abrupt course change while repositioning the airplane during an agricultural application flight. The pilot failed to maintain adequate clearance from a nearby 300-foot-tall transmission line, and a collision ensued. During the impact sequence, a portion of the airplane’s right wing was severed. The airplane descended uncontrollably and caught on fire seconds after impacting the ground. Tetrahydrocannabinol carboxylic acid (marihuana) was detected at a level of 0.018 ug/ml in the pilot's blood, and it was also found in his urine.
The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident as follows: The pilot's failure to maintain adequate clearance from obstacles while maneuvering during an aerial application flight. ===
Accident occurred Wednesday, July 26, 2000 in TRACY, CA
Probable Cause Approval Date: 9/26/2001
Aircraft: Schweizer G-164B, registration: N3629E
Injuries: 1 Uninjured.
The airplane lost engine power during cruise flight and nosed over during a forced landing in a recently irrigated and soft tomato field. A ground crewman stated the airplane fuel tanks were more than halfway full when the airplane departed. Postaccident inspections revealed no power plant abnormalities. Using the aircraft systems, the engine ran without hesitation when started the day after the accident. No other airframe or fuel system related discrepancies that could explain a loss of power were found. The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident as follows: A loss of engine power for undetermined reasons.
UTube Airport Approach / Landing: