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High-Performance Airplane Damaged During Simulated Forced Landing Go-Around

Tracy, CA, United States

On October 23, 2016, a YAKOVLEV YAK 55M was involved in an aviation accident near Tracy, CA. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot reported that the slow airspeed coupled with the unexpected high torque from advancing the throttle during an uncoordinated left turn were factors in the accident. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 12 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

SourcesNTSBPrimary reportUpdated 2026-08-03Data APIEditorial standards

During a simulated forced landing, a high-performance airplane went around from a low, misaligned approach but descended into terrain and a fence, sustaining substantial damage. The pilot cited slow airspeed and high torque from throttle application in an uncoordinated turn as factors.

Accident Overview

A pilot of a high-performance airplane reported an accident during the third simulated forced landing of the flight. While turning from left base to final in a slip, the pilot recognized that the airplane was too low and not aligned with the runway. In response, full throttle was applied to initiate a go-around. The airplane reacted with a sudden attitude change but continued to descend, ultimately impacting terrain and the airport perimeter fence.

Damage

The accident resulted in substantial damage to both wings and the fuselage of the airplane.

Pilot's Account

The pilot reported that the slow airspeed at the time, combined with the unexpected high torque generated by advancing the throttle during an uncoordinated left turn, were factors in the accident. No preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation were reported.

Probable cause

The pilot reported that the slow airspeed coupled with the unexpected high torque from advancing the throttle during an uncoordinated left turn were factors in the accident.

Contributing factors

Causes

Descent/approach/glide path — Not attained/maintainedPilot

Other contributing factors

Contributed to outcome

Related events

Same aircraft family

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 23 Oct 2016 YAKOVLEV YAK 55M accident near Tracy, CA?

During a simulated forced landing, a high-performance airplane went around from a low, misaligned approach but descended into terrain and a fence, sustaining substantial damage. The pilot cited slow airspeed and high torque from throttle application in an uncoordinated turn as factors.

Were there any fatalities in the 23 Oct 2016 YAKOVLEV YAK 55M accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 23 Oct 2016 involved a YAKOVLEV YAK 55M, at Tracy, CA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot reported that the slow airspeed coupled with the unexpected high torque from advancing the throttle during an uncoordinated left turn were factors in the accident.

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