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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

NTSB Reports is an independent research and search tool for public aviation accident and incident records. It brings NTSB aviation reports, structured fields, docket files, extracted figures, photos, videos, and update history into one searchable interface.

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NTSB Report

July 4, 1994 · Piper PA-12 · N2986M

Watson, AR

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
July 4, 1994
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Watson, AR
Aircraft
Piper PA-12
Tail Number
N2986M
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
FTW94LA223

THE PILOT ATTEMPTED TO EXECUTE A SHORT FIELD APPROACH TO A 900 FOOT LONG SANDY, GRASS ROAD. THE PILOT WAS UNABLE TO SLOW DOWN THE AIRPLANE ON FINAL APPROACH. THE PILOT DID NOT ABORT THE APPROACH AND OVERRAN THE THRESHOLD AT THE END OF THE ROAD. THE AIRPLANE NOSED OVER AFTER COLLIDING WITH A DIRT EMBANKMENT COMING TO REST INVERTED.

NTSB Probable Cause

WAS THE EXCESSIVE AIRSPEED DURING APPROACH AND THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO EXECUTE A MISSED APPROACH.

Full Narrative

On July 4, 1994, at 0930 central daylight time, a Piper PA-12, N2986M, was substantially damaged during landing near Watson, Arkansas. The private pilot was not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the personal flight. According to the pilot, a short field approach was executed to a 900 foot "sandy grass private road strip" with tall trees at the departure end of the strip. The pilot further stated that the approach speed appeared to be faster than normal and he was unable to slow down the airplane while on final approach. The pilot added that he was not able to abort the landing, so he attempted to use maximum braking to avoid over running the end of the landing strip. The airplane overran the end of the strip and colliding with a dirt embankment. The airplane nosed over and came to rest inverted.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time09:30 CDT
Nearest Airport0nm
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftPiper PA-12
Tail NumberN2986M
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-235-C · Reciprocating · 100
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 25 · Second Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind160° @ 4 kt
Visibility5 sm
CeilingNone
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time15:00
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data