Accident Overview
On June 12, 2012, at approximately 0900 central daylight time, a Piper PA-38-112 airplane, registration N2510B, struck trees during a landing attempt near Mt. Vernon, Missouri. The aircraft sustained substantial damage, and the private pilot, who was the sole occupant, suffered serious injuries. The flight originated from the Jerry Sumners Senior Aurora Municipal Airport (2H2) in Aurora, Missouri, around 0830. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed for the positioning flight conducted under 14 CFR Part 91.
Landing Details
According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol report, the 85-year-old pilot was attempting to land on a grass field adjacent to his residence. The pilot landed with a tailwind and was unable to stop the aircraft before it collided with trees at the west end of the field. The pilot's son stated that his father "overshot" the east end of the runway and landed approximately 1,000 feet beyond the intended touchdown point.
Runway Description
Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) information indicated that the pilot recently had farm hands mow tall grass to create a landing strip. The strip was about 2,500 feet long and oriented east-west. The last 200 feet of the runway sloped downhill.
Pilot Information
The pilot held a private pilot certificate with a rating for airplane single-engine land. His most recent FAA third-class medical certificate was issued in July 1991. According to the FAA, the pilot had accumulated 460 total flight hours, all of which were logged in the accident airplane. His last biennial flight review was completed in April 1993, and his last logged flight occurred in May 2004.
Weather Conditions
Weather reported at Springfield-Branson National Airport (SGF), located about 15 miles northeast of the accident site, included wind from 080 degrees at 7 knots, visibility 10 miles, and clear skies.