Incident
On July 3, 2009, at approximately 1230 Pacific daylight time, a Taylorcraft DCO-65 airplane, registration N51459, experienced a loss of engine power during climb after takeoff from Tracy Municipal Airport in Tracy, California. The airplane was operated by a student pilot under 14 CFR Part 91 for a personal flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed.
Sequence of Events
According to the pilot, before departure, he performed an engine run-up, checking the magnetos and carburetor heat. After taxing onto the runway, he initiated the takeoff. As the airplane climbed through about 300 to 350 feet above ground level, the pilot felt that the airplane "lose lift" and observed that the engine rpm had dropped from the normal 2,500 rpm to 1,800 rpm. He verified that the magneto switch, mixture, and throttle settings were in their correct positions. Unable to maintain altitude, the pilot executed a forced landing to the south of the Delta-Mendota Canal.
The airplane landed hard on the northern side of the canal, bounced, and then entered the water. The pilot and passenger exited as the aircraft began to sink. Local law enforcement noted floating debris on the water surface. Canal Water Authority personnel reported that despite multiple efforts, the wreckage was not located and is presumed to have drifted downstream.
Injuries and Damage
The student pilot sustained serious injuries, and the passenger received minor injuries. The airplane was substantially damaged; its wreckage was not recovered due to water currents.