Casualties unknown

Pilot misjudges approach to gravel bar, resulting in nose-over (N1991A)

Saint Paul, OR, US

On March 5, 2006, a Piper PA-18 (registration N1991A) operated by Laurence A. Holman was involved in an aviation accident near Saint Paul, OR. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's misjudgment of the descent path during the approach to the gravel bar, which resulted in the main wheels contacting water and soft sand short of the landing area. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-06-10Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot descending toward a gravel bar landing zone failed to properly judge the final approach path. The aircraft touched down in water and soft sand short of the intended runway, causing substantial damage to the rudder when the plane nosed over.

What happened

During the final phase of flight, the pilot was conducting an approach toward a gravel bar landing site. While maneuvering for touchdown, the pilot misjudged the descent path relative to the intended touchdown zone. Consequently, the main wheels of the aircraft contacted water and soft sand located just short of the gravel bar surface.

The impact caused the airplane to nose over, bringing it to rest in an inverted position. As a result of this sequence, the rudder sustained substantial damage. No further details regarding injuries or specific aircraft registration were provided in the source material.

The investigation

The available factual narrative indicates that the primary mechanical outcome was the substantial damage to the rudder. This damage occurred as a direct consequence of the aircraft nosing over and coming to rest inverted after the initial contact with the water and soft sand.

Probable cause

The pilot's misjudgment of the descent path during the approach to the gravel bar, which resulted in the main wheels contacting water and soft sand short of the landing area.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20060407X00407. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.