Summary
On June 03, 2011, a Rusk Smith Super Cub (N316BR) was involved in an accident near Heron, MT. The accident resulted in 1 minor injury. The aircraft sustained substantial damage.
The National Transportation Safety Board determined the probable cause of this accident to be: The floatplane's collision with a submerged object during a water landing.
The pilot reported that from his airborne perspective, the river looked suitable for landing his float plane. He did not observe any sand bar or obstacles in the water. The pilot stated that his descent into the water was normal, and he landed with the current. Upon touchdown the airplane, which was only equipped with floats, immediately nosed over and sank. The pilot said the front of the right float was ripped off in the landing. The pilot inflated his emergency flotation device and swam to shore.
This accident is documented in NTSB report WPR11CA249. AviatorDB cross-references NTSB investigation data with FAA registry records to provide comprehensive safety information for aircraft N316BR.
Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
The floatplane's collision with a submerged object during a water landing.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Current)
Analysis
The pilot reported that from his airborne perspective, the river looked suitable for landing his float plane. He did not observe any sand bar or obstacles in the water. The pilot stated that his descent into the water was normal, and he landed with the current. Upon touchdown the airplane, which was only equipped with floats, immediately nosed over and sank. The pilot said the front of the right float was ripped off in the landing. The pilot inflated his emergency flotation device and swam to shore.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# WPR11CA249