N1491D

On May 10, 1998, at 1325 central daylight time, a Cessna 170A, N1491D, was substantially damaged during a collision with high vegetation and subsequent nose over during the landing on a private airstrip (2,000 feet by 100 feet, soft/grass) near Emily, Minnesota. The private pilot and two passengers reported minor injuries. The personal 14 CFR Part 91 flight was operating in visual meteorological conditions. No flight plan was on file. The flight departed Moritz Air Field, Emily, Minnesota, at 1310.

According to the pilot's written statement, the pilot stated that she added power to maintain proper airspeed and altitude while descending to the runway. The pilot reported that she had two notches of flaps extended during the approach. The pilot went on to say that she advanced the throttle completely before touching down on the runway. The pilot confirmed that the aircraft, "clipped bushes at the end of the runway."

In a telephone conversation with the pilot, she stated that, "she saw herself sinking below glide path, added power, but the airplane didn't respond." When asked if she tried to go-around she stated, "I wanted to go-around, but the airplane wouldn't climb out, even with full power."

The pilot stated to a Federal Aviation Administration Inspector that the aircraft, "started sinking," and that she maintained an, "approach attitude," and started to add power. The pilot was asked if she felt that she got behind the power curve, and she responded that she did not know what that was. The pilot stated that there were no problems with the engine prior and during the time of the accident.

The pilot reported to a Crow Wing County Sheriff Deputy that she felt like she was getting low on the approach and, "gave it more gas." The pilot stated that, "...I gave it all the gas that I could while pulling back on the yoke which is what we do when we land the tail dragger."