On June 16, 1997, a Schweizer G-164B (registration N3631G) was involved in an aviation accident near Rio Linda, CA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the pilot's inadequate preflight planning/preparation by failing to ensure that sufficient airspeed would be obtained and/or maintained to remain clear of obstacles at the departure end of the runway. The obstacles (power lines & poles) were a related factor. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
After a 45-degree turn to avoid power lines, the aircraft settled, sheared its landing gear on an irrigation ditch berm, and came to rest inverted. Postaccident examination found a loose carburetor and worn links.
Accident Details
Shortly after departing from a 2,400-foot dirt strip, the pilot executed a 45-degree turn to avoid power lines that angled past the departure end of the runway. After clearing a road adjacent to the lines, the aircraft lost altitude and settled. The landing gear subsequently struck the berm of an irrigation ditch, shearing off the gear. The aircraft continued beyond the ditch and came to rest inverted in a field.
Post-Accident Investigation
A postaccident investigation revealed that the carburetor was loose on the engine. The economizer link and the pump link were found to be in a "high time condition since overhaul." A flow test of the carburetor was performed, but a determination of proper fuel flow could not be established due to the extent of damage to the carburetor. No other preexisting anomalies were discovered with the engine.