Accident Overview
On October 24, 2017, at approximately 1000 Pacific daylight time, a Schweizer Corp G-164B airplane, registration N8494K, was substantially damaged during the landing roll at a private airstrip near Tracy, California. The commercial pilot, the sole occupant, was not injured. The airplane was registered to and operated by Haley Flying Service of Tracy as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 familiarization flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident, and no flight plan was filed. The local flight had departed the private airstrip about 0900.
Pilot Account
In a written statement submitted to the National Transportation Safety Board investigator-in-charge, the pilot reported that upon returning to the airport, he flew around to the east end of the runway, slowed the airplane, trimmed for landing, and made his approach. After clearing wires and reaching the runway, he reduced power to idle, glided down the runway, flared, and executed a smooth landing. The pilot stated that after landing, he thought he hit a bump, which caused the airplane to bounce, followed by the airplane veering to the left. He attempted to use the right brake to correct the direction but felt that the right brake was not effective. The airplane subsequently departed the left side of the runway and entered a ditch, resulting in a sudden engine stoppage, separation of the right main landing gear, and damage to the lower right wing panel. The pilot reported no mechanical anomalies with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Damage and Aftermath
The airplane sustained substantial damage, including separation of the right main landing gear and damage to the lower right wing panel. The engine stopped suddenly upon entering the ditch. No injuries were reported.