FlightFinder
Check my flight
No fatalities

Stolen Twin-Engine Aircraft Crashes and Burns at Yolo County Airport (N39U)

Woodland-Yolo County, United States of AmericaTakeoff (climb)

On March 21, 1976, a Beechcraft D18 (registration N39U) operated by Gary K. Brage was involved in an aviation accident near Woodland-Yolo County, United States of America during takeoff. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Undetermined. Aircraft stolen. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary reportUpdated 2026-06-12Data APIEditorial standards

A stolen twin-engine aircraft veered off the runway during takeoff at Yolo County Airport, collided with ditches, and burned to the ground. Both occupants were not recovered, and the probable cause was officially undetermined.

Incident Overview and Aircraft Status A twin-engine airplane was stolen from Yolo County Airport by two men who intended to make a probable illegal flight. The aircraft was parked at the airport at the time of the theft. ## Takeoff Roll and Collision During the takeoff roll, the pilot lost control of the aircraft. The airplane veered off the runway, collided with ditches, and came to rest in flames. ## Damage and Occupant Status The aircraft was destroyed in the crash. Both occupants were not recovered. ## Official Findings The official investigation determined that the probable cause of the accident was undetermined. The investigation also noted that the aircraft had been stolen.

More accident analyses