Probable cause
The pilot's misjudged altitude, speed, and subsequent failure to attain the proper touchdown point while landing.
NTSB analysis
The pilot was landing on a gravel bar of a river. He made one full-stop landing, and took off for a second landing. The winds were light and he attempted a shorter landing. The wheels contacted the 1-foot-deep water about 30 feet before reaching the landing zone. The airplane pitched forward and in response he applied full back stick pressure and added power. The airplane continued pitching and nosed over, resulting in substantial damage to the wing and fuselage.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for LAX08CA278 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jul 31, 2008
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- St. Paul, Oregon
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Piper PA-22
- N-number
- N2441P
- Category
- Airplane
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Personal
From the NTSB aviation accident database: N-registered aircraft, events since 2008, data through Oct 28, 2026. The file is published monthly, so the latest weeks are incomplete and recent records can change. The official source is the NTSB aviation investigation search. CheckAero is independent and not affiliated with the NTSB.