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NTSB Report
July 8, 2009 · Pitts S-2A · N18BT
Springfield, IL
Overview
Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
July 8, 2009
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Springfield, IL
Aircraft
Pitts S-2A
Tail Number
N18BT
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CEN09CA421
The pilot reported that he was landing the tail wheel equipped airplane when the accident happened. He stated that the airplane touched down on one main wheel first and the airplane shifted and rapidly turned right. He stated that the airplane's movement resulted in his passenger's body shifting to the left against the left rudder/brake pedal. The rear seat rudder pedals are located near the front seat occupant's hips. The pilot stated that he attempted to correct with left rudder, but was unable due to the obstruction of the rudder pedal by the front seat passenger's body. The airplane subsequently ground looped. The damage to the airplane included collapse of the main landing gear, damage to the left lower wing, and damage to the upper wing.
NTSB Probable Cause
The pilot's inability to maintain directional control while landing due to the unintentional obstruction of the rudder by the passenger.
Full Narrative
The pilot reported that he was landing the tail wheel airplane when the accident happened. He stated that the airplane touched down on one main wheel first and the airplane shifted and rapidly turned right. He stated that the airplane's movement resulted in his passenger's body shifting to the left against the left rudder/brake pedal. The rear seat rudder pedals are located near the front seat occupant's hips. The pilot stated that he attempted to correct with left rudder, but was unable due to the obstruction of the rudder pedal by the front seat passenger's body. The airplane subsequently ground looped. The damage to the airplane included collapse of the main landing gear, damage to the left lower wing, and damage to the upper wing.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time19:47 CDT
Nearest AirportAbraham Lincoln Capital Airpor (0nm)
Runway31
Runway Length7400 ft
Runway Width150 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftPitts S-2A
Tail NumberN18BT
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · AEIO-360 SER · Reciprocating · 180
Seats2
People & Injuries
Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 43 · Second Class · None
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
WindCalm
Visibility10 sm
CeilingBroken clouds 10000 ft
Temperature / Dew Point70 F
Altimeter29.85 inHg
Observation Time00:52
Weather SourceWFAC