Rusk Smith Super Cub
Heron, MT — June 3, 2011
Event Information
| Date | June 3, 2011 |
| Event Type | ACC |
| NTSB Number | WPR11CA249 |
| Event ID | 20110605X24354 |
| Location | Heron, MT |
| Country | USA |
| Coordinates | 48.05833, -115.90166 |
| Airport | Cabinet Gorge Reservoir |
| Highest Injury | MINR |
Aircraft
| Make | Rusk |
| Model | Smith Super Cub |
| Category | AIR |
| FAR Part | 091 |
| Aircraft Damage | SUBS |
Conditions
| Light Condition | DAYL |
| Weather | VMC |
Injuries
| Fatal | 0 |
| Serious | 0 |
| Minor | 1 |
| None | 0 |
| Total Injured | 1 |
Event Location
Probable Cause
The floatplane's collision with a submerged object during a water landing.
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.
About This NTSB Record
This aviation event was investigated by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). NTSB investigates all U.S. civil aviation accidents to determine probable cause and issue safety recommendations to prevent future accidents.