Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot failed to maintain a proper descent rate which resulted in an undershoot.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
During the short final approach, about 100' above ground level, the airplane's rate of sink increased. The pilot stated, 'rate of sink increased....power was applied and pitch attitude increased....aircraft continued to sink...touching down...approximately 150' from [the] runway....' the airplane nosed over after encountering high vegetation. Post accident examination revealed no pre-accident related discrepancies.
Source record
Factual narrative
On June 28, 1994, at 1045 eastern daylight time, a Piper PA-12, N3807M, was substantially damaged, when it landed short of the runway at the Flying M Aerodrome, Germansville, Pennsylvania. The certificated private pilot was not injured, but the passenger received serious injuries. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed. The flight was being conducted under 14 CFR Part 91. In the NTSB form 6120.1/2, the pilot stated, At approximately 100' [above ground level], on short final approach, aircraft rate of sink increased substantially to where it became apparent that [the] runway would not be made without application of power. Accordingly, power was applied and pitch attitude increased so as to arrest descent rate. Aircraft continued to sink. Touching down gently in wheat field approximately 150' from runway 26 threshold.... After touchdown, the airplane rolled approximately 75 feet and the landing gear became entangled in wheat stalks causing the airplane to nose over. Postaccident examination by the Federal Aviation Administration, revealed, no discrepancies with the airplane or engine. -