# NTSB WPR26LA060: Beechcraft G36, N360FV, Tracy, CA, December 15, 2025

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Preliminary report
- Date: December 15, 2025, 15:26 UTC
- Place: Tracy, CA
- Coordinates: 37.692888, -121.40115 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=37.6929&lon=-121.4012&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Defining event: [Enroute-cruise: Loss of engine power (partial)](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/342)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 1 minor
- Status: Investigation ongoing
- Investigation class: Class 3
- NTSB office: Western Pacific Region
- Parties: FAA
- NTSB case key (mKey): 202173
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=WPR26LA060
- NTSB preliminary report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/202173/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR26LA060

## Preliminary report

On December 15, 2025, about 1526 Pacific standard time, a Beechcraft G36, N360FV, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Tracy, California. The pilot sustained minor injuries. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight. According to the pilot, he departed Palo Alto Airport (PAO), Palo Alto, California enroute to Lake Tahoe, California following a recent engine overhaul that was completed about 10 hours prior to the accident flight. About 35 minutes into the flight, while maintaining straight and level flight at about 17,000 feet mean sea level, the pilot received an oil pressure alert and noticed a gradual decrease in engine oil pressure. In response to the oil pressure indication, the pilot reduced power to cool the engine and configured the airplane for best glide speed. The pilot then contacted Air Traffic Control (ATC), informed them of the emergency, and requested vectors to Livermore Airport (LVK), Livermore, California. Approximately five minutes later, the engine began to run rough, which was followed by a loud bang and white smoke along with oil on the engine cowling and windscreen. Smoke also entered the cockpit, significantly reducing visibility and requiring the pilot to adjust the cannula for maximum airflow. The pilot determined that reaching LVK was not possible and declared an emergency, requesting vectors to Tracy Municipal Airport (TCY), Tracy, California. The pilot attempted to glide to TCY but landed short, coming to rest in an irrigation canal after sliding through a field. Preliminary examination revealed the airplane sustained substantial damage to the engine compartment and fuselage. The airplane was recovered and retained for further examination.

## Sequence of events

The events NTSB coded, in order, by phase of flight. The defining event best describes what happened.

- [Enroute-cruise: Loss of engine power (partial)](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/342) (defining event); cases with it: [Beechcraft G36, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/342/sequence.md?model=4220034), [All aircraft, 1,858 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/342/sequence.md)

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N360FV](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N360FV), registered now, S/N E-4035, built 2014 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: BEECHCRAFT CORP G36
- Registry model: [Beechcraft G36](https://openairdocs.org/model/beechcraft-g36) (registry code 4220034) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Continental IO-550-B](https://openairdocs.org/engine/continental-io-550-b) (registry code 17208, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: E-4035
- Year built: 2014
- Airframe hours: 1059
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Cross Flight LLC
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Utility
- Last inspection: Annual, September 24, 2025
- Departed: PAO, Palo Alto, CA
- Destination: PAO, Palo Alto, CA
- Airport: TCY, Tracy Municipal, runway 26, 3,438 × 75 ft, asphalt
- Equipment: Stall warning system, ADS-B, Auto-pilot, Data recorder, Electronic multifunction display, Electronic primary flight display, Handheld GPS, Onboard weather

## Weather

- Conditions: Instrument (IMC), Day
- Wind: calm
- Visibility: 3 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 600 ft overcast
- Temperature: 45 °F, dew point 45 °F
- Altimeter: 30.27 inHg
- Observed at: KTCY, 2 nm away
- METAR: METAR KTCY 152315Z AUTO 00000KT 3SM BR OVC006 07/07 A3027 RMK A01=

From the NTSB's public API. Aircraft are matched to registry aircraft by N-number and event date, checked against the reported serial number, make and model; the registry's history has gaps, so older matches can be wrong. Compare the reported make and model.

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