Aircraft: Grumman Tiger. Injuries: 1 Minor. Location: Bulverde, Texas. Aircraft damage: Substantial.
What reportedly happened: The pilot was on a short final approach with an airspeed between 70 and 75 knots indicated, with one-third flaps extended. He reduced the throttle to idle.
The airplane settled more rapidly than he expected.
He reapplied power, but it was not quick enough to keep the airplane from hitting trees in a ravine 300 feet short of the runway.
Both wings and the fuselage were buckled.
The pilot said that if he had come in higher and faster, the accident most likely would not have occurred.
Probable cause: The pilot’s improper glide-path while on final approach.
NTSB Identification: CEN12CA085
This November 2011 accident report is provided by the National Transportation Safety Board. Published as an educational tool, it is intended to help pilots learn from the misfortunes of others.
Tigers are notorious for a high sink rate when power is cut. Always carry power and don’t “drag in” any airplane. I know, I know hindsight is 20/20 but dragging in at low speed and altitude is never a good approach.
The medical certification did not prevent the accident. Wonder what two hours of dual instruction in lieu of the medical certification done to reduce the probability of the accident?