Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control of the airplane during the landing roll.
NTSB analysis
The commercial pilot was performing a familiarization flight in the tailwheel-equipped airplane. The pilot reported that the airplane hit a bump after touching down, which caused the airplane to bounce and then veer to the left. The pilot applied right brake, which was not effective. The airplane subsequently went off the left side of the runway and into a ditch, causing substantial damage to the airplane.
The pilot reported no mechanical malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR18LA015 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Oct 24, 2017
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Tracy, California
- Nearest airport
- Delta Strip (NA)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Schweizer Aircraft Corp G 164B
- N-number
- N8494K
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1983
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Personal
Other records under this N-number
From the NTSB aviation accident database: N-registered aircraft, events since 2008, data through Oct 28, 2026. The file is published monthly, so the latest weeks are incomplete and recent records can change. The official source is the NTSB aviation investigation search. CheckAero is independent and not affiliated with the NTSB.