On June 27, 2001, a Schweizer G-164B (registration N2236F) was involved in an aviation accident near Meridian, CA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot misjudged his altitude, resulting in a collision with a berm. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
During an aerial application flight, a pilot misjudged altitude and struck a berm, severing a main landing gear wheel. The pilot landed on the remaining gear; a wing contacted the ground, bending an outboard nose rib. Structural deformation affected cruise performance.
Accident Overview
During an aerial application flight, the pilot misjudged his altitude and inadvertently collided with a berm. The impact severed a main landing gear wheel. Subsequently, the pilot landed the airplane on the remaining gear.
Landing Sequence and Damage
As the airplane slowed to a stop, a wing contacted the ground, resulting in bending of an outboard nose rib. The structural deformation was of sufficient severity to have adversely affected the airplane's cruise performance.
Pilot Experience
The pilot was experienced in aerial application flying, having amassed over 8,000 hours in the accident model of airplane.
Probable cause
The pilot misjudged his altitude, resulting in a collision with a berm.