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NTSB Report
May 14, 1997 · Cessna 172 · N9504H
Vero Beach, FL
Overview
Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
May 14, 1997
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Vero Beach, FL
Aircraft
Cessna 172
Tail Number
N9504H
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
MIA97LA165
During landing rollout, the pilot was unable to control the aircraft using rudder and wheel brake controls. The aircraft went off the side of the runway and turned around toward the runway as it came to rest. After the aircraft stopped the pilot found a 1 quart can of engine oil lodged under the left rudder pedal.
NTSB Probable Cause
failure of the pilot to ensure all articles in the aircraft were secured before flight, and subsequently, an oil can becoming lodged under the rudder pedals and preventing her from controlling the aircraft during landing.
Full Narrative
On May 14, 1997, about 1405 eastern daylight time, a Cessna 172M, N9504H, registered to an individual, ran off the runway while landing at Vero Beach Municipal Airport, Vero Beach, Florida, while on a Title 14 CFR Part 91 personal flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time and no flight plan was filed. The aircraft received substantial damage and the private-rated pilot was not injured. The flight originated from Key West, Florida, the same day, about 1100. The pilot stated that after landing on runway 11 left, she was unable to control the aircraft using the rudder pedals and wheel brakes. The rudder pedals seemed not to be working. The aircraft swerved to the left and went off the side of the runway. The aircraft then made a right turn and came to rest facing the runway. After the accident she found a 1-quart oil can under the left rudder pedal, which she believes slipped forward from the back seat area.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time14:05 EDT
Nearest AirportVero Beach (1nm WNW)
Runway11L
Runway Length3500 ft
Runway Width75 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftCessna 172
Tail NumberN9504H
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-320-E2D · Reciprocating · 150
Seats4
People & Injuries
Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 57 · Third Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind60° @ 9 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point61 F
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time18:11
Weather SourceWFAC