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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

June 3, 2011 · Rusk Smith Super Cub · N316BR

Heron, MT

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
June 3, 2011
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 minor injury)
Location
Heron, MT
Aircraft
Rusk Smith Super Cub
Tail Number
N316BR
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
WPR11CA249

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. It subsequently sank. The pilot said the front of the right float was ripped off in the landing, and the front windscreen broke open from the airframe. He opined that the floatplane impacted a submerged object. The pilot inflated his emergency flotation device and swam to shore.

NTSB Probable Cause

Environmental issues-Physical environment-Object/animal/substance-Hidden/submerged object-Effect on operation - C

Full Narrative

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.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time14:20 MDT
Nearest AirportCabinet Gorge Reservoir (0nm)
Runway29
Runway Length12000 ft
Runway Width1500 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftRusk Smith Super Cub
Tail NumberN316BR
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-320-A1A · Reciprocating · 180
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury Summary1 injury (1 minor injury)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor1
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 53 · First Class · Minor

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind300° @ 12 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point52 / 0 C
Altimeter30.15 inHg
Weather SourcePILO

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Appendix: Source Data