Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
The pilot failed to maintain a proper descent rate which resulted in an undershoot.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Current)
Analysis
On June 28, 1994, at 1045 eastern daylight time, a Piper PA-12, N3807M, was substantially damaged, when it landed short of the runway at the Flying M Aerodrome, Germansville, Pennsylvania. The certificated private pilot was not injured, but the passenger received serious injuries. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed. The flight was being conducted under 14 CFR Part 91.
In the NTSB form 6120.1/2, the pilot stated,
At approximately 100' [above ground level], on short final approach, aircraft rate of sink increased substantially to where it became apparent that [the] runway would not be made without application of power. Accordingly, power was applied and pitch attitude increased so as to arrest descent rate. Aircraft continued to sink. Touching down gently in wheat field approximately 150' from runway 26 threshold....
After touchdown, the airplane rolled approximately 75 feet and the landing gear became entangled in wheat stalks causing the airplane to nose over.
Postaccident examination by the Federal Aviation Administration, revealed, no discrepancies with the airplane or engine.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# BFO94LA119