NTSB Factual Report

On May 16, 2004, approximately 1400 Pacific daylight time, a Stinson SR-10E single-engine airplane, N27782, sustained substantial damage after undershooting the runway on approach to landing at Eliza Island, Washington. The airplane was registered to and operated by a private individual. The commercial pilot and his one passenger were not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the 14 CFR Part 91 personal flight, and a flight plan was not filed. The flight departed the Skagit Regional Airport (BVS), Burlington-Mount Vernon, Washington, approximately 1330, and was destined for Eliza Island.

According to the Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report (NTSB form 6120.1/2), the pilot reported that he had never landed on the 1,600 foot grass airstrip, which terminated on the north end on a sloping, sandy beach. The pilot stated that several days before the accident he made 5 or 6 practice short field approaches and landings at another airport, and that he felt sure he could get the plane stopped safely in less than 1,600 feet. The pilot related, "Those practice landings were successful and I was consistently able to stop, even in light winds in 1,200 to 1,400 feet, using 70 knot approach speeds instead of the 80 knots I normally use." The pilot further stated that on the accident approach and landing, "I was 'dragging' the airplane in under power, and with the nose higher than normal and the radial engine hiding the first part of the runway, you start assessing your position by looking at the sides of the runway to maintain alignment." The pilot reported that as he approached the runway, and thinking he would be touching down in the first 100 feet, "I pulled the power off to idle and started to flare when we hit something with a big bang. The pilot reported the "something" was a big log which had been deposited at the top of the beach across the end of the runway, buried in about a foot of sand with the top two feet sticking up above the level of the grass runway. The aircraft came to rest in an upright position after sliding approximately 100 to 150 feet, going up on its nose, then falling back on its undercarriage.

The pilot reported substantial damage to the left wing tip, which was bent up at approximately a 20 degree angle starting about 3 feet from the wing tip. Both main landing gear were separated and both propeller blades were bent as a result of a ground strike. The pilot also reported to the NTSB investigator-in-charge that no anomalies existed with the airplane prior to the departure or during the flight which would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's misjudgment of altitude/distance resulting in an undershoot of the runway.