Aircraft: Piper Super Cub. Injuries: None. Location: Eaton, N.Y. Aircraft damage: Substantial.
What reportedly happened: The pilot was attempting to land on a grass runway.
There was a river off the extended centerline on the approach to the runway. The pilot said he allowed the airplane to get low and slow during short final. He tried to increase power, but the engine did not seem to immediately respond. He attempted to stretch the glide and the airplane skimmed the river water, then crashed on the riverbank and the beginning of the grass strip.
A review of the pilot’s certification showed that his last medical certificate was issued in February 2007, and was expired when the accident occurred.
Probable cause: The pilot’s improper approach to landing, which resulted in the airplane touching down short of the runway.
NTSB Identification: ERA12CA311
This April 2012 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.
