Probable cause
The floatplane's collision with a submerged object during a water landing.
NTSB analysis
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.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR11CA249 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jun 3, 2011
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Heron, Montana
- Nearest airport
- Cabinet Gorge Reservoir (None)
- Highest injury
- Minor
- Minor injuries
- 1
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Amateur-built Smith Super Cub
- N-number
- N316BR
- 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.