PITTS SPECIAL

Bessemer, AL — August 20, 2011

Event Information

DateAugust 20, 2011
Event TypeACC
NTSB NumberERA11CA477
Event ID20110829X95738
LocationBessemer, AL
CountryUSA
Coordinates33.30750, -86.92223
AirportBessemer Airport
Highest InjuryNONE

Aircraft

MakePITTS
ModelSPECIAL
CategoryAIR
FAR Part091
Aircraft DamageSUBS

Conditions

Light ConditionDAYL
WeatherVMC

Injuries

Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
None1
Total Injured0

Event Location

Probable Cause

The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll.

Full Narrative

At the conclusion of the pilot's second flight in the accident airplane, he landed the airplane at the destination airport. During the landing rollout, the airplane began to drift to the right. The pilot attempted to correct the drift by applying left rudder but the airplane continued to the right. He then applied what he thought was the maximum left brake and rudder to counteract the drift, but the airplane continued off the right side of the runway, impacted a taxiway sign, and came to rest in a grassy area. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the right wing spar. The pilot later determined that due to his large stature, his foot was likely contacting the firewall instead of the rudder pedal, which inhibited him from applying maximum left brake and rudder. The pilot reported there were no preexisting mechanical anomalies with the airplane.

About This NTSB Record

This aviation event was investigated by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). NTSB investigates all U.S. civil aviation accidents to determine probable cause and issue safety recommendations to prevent future accidents.

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