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Pilot Avoids Power Lines After Takeoff, Aircraft Inverts in Ditch (N3631G)

Rio Linda, CA, US

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.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

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.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 16 Jun 1997 Schweizer G-164B accident near Rio Linda, CA?

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.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 16 Jun 1997 involved a Schweizer G-164B, registration N3631G, at Rio Linda, CA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

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.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001208X08173. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.