N929CB

On October 11, 1997, at 1600 eastern daylight time, a Sukoi SU-29, N929CB, was substantially damaged after landing at the Southern Cross Airport, Williamstown, New Jersey. The certificated commercial pilot and commercial pilot rated passenger were uninjured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the personal flight that originated at Woodbine, New Jersey, at 1500. No flight plan was filed for the flight conducted under 14 CFR Part 91.

According to an FAA Inspector, the airplane touched down on the 2,400 foot turf runway at a point approximately 1,400 feet beyond the approach end. The airplane overran the runway and came to rest in a tree line. One of 3 propeller blades separated, and the airplane sustained damage to both wings and the fuselage. According to the Inspector's report, the pilot stated he had "...probably been a little too fast on the approach (90 knots) [and] ran out of runway and went into a brush and tree area."

In a telephone interview, the pilot said, "We screwed up...landed a little too fast and a little too long."

In the Owner Safety Recommendation (How Could This Accident Have Been Prevented) section of the NTSB Form 6120.1/2, the pilot recommended:

"Check condition of a grass runway in reference to dryness of grass when landing with aircraft with certified bald tires, touchdown sooner, [and] leave more rollout space."

The pilot reported the airplane had no mechanical deficiencies.