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July 25, 2009 · Pilgrim Samuel W Jr RV-6 · N56SP

Oshkosh, WI

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
July 25, 2009
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Oshkosh, WI
Aircraft
Pilgrim Samuel W Jr RV-6
Tail Number
N56SP
Operator
Berry Damon R
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CEN09LA463

The pilot reported that during the landing roll the right rudder pedal welds failed. The airplane turned to the left into the wind and departed the left side of the runway. Because he had no right rudder or right brake authority, the pilot applied left rudder and brake in order to avoid a ditch which paralleled the runway. The right main gear collapsed and the firewall was damaged. Inspection of the airplane revealed the left seat, right rudder pedal had failed. The rudder pedals were tubular and the upper welds where the vertical tubes are connected to the cross-member had failed.

NTSB Probable Cause

Aircraft-Aircraft oper/perf/capability-Performance/control parameters-Directional control-Attain/maintain not possible - C

Full Narrative

On July 25, 2009, at 1230 central daylight time, an amateur built experimental RV-6, experienced a rudder pedal failure which resulted in a loss of directional control and a landing gear collapse while landing at the Whitman Airport, Oshkosh, Wisconsin. The pilot and passenger were not injured. The airplane was substantially damaged. The personal flight was operating under Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed. The flight departed from the Muscatine Municipal Airport (MUT), Muscatine, Iowa, at 1100. The pilot reported that during the landing roll the right rudder pedal welds failed. The airplane turned to the left into the wind and departed the left side of the runway. Because he had no right rudder or right brake authority, the pilot applied left rudder and brake in order to avoid a ditch which paralleled the runway. The right main gear collapsed and the firewall was damaged. Inspection of the airplane revealed the left seat, right rudder pedal had failed. The rudder pedals were tubular and the upper welds where the vertical tubes are connected to the cross-member had failed.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time12:30 CDT
Nearest AirportWitman Regional Airport (0nm)
Runway36L
Runway Length8002 ft
Runway Width150 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftPilgrim Samuel W Jr RV-6
Tail NumberN56SP
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorBerry Damon R
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-360-A1A · Reciprocating · 180
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 58 · Second Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind280° @ 15 kt, gusting 21 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point57
Altimeter29.67 inHg
Observation Time17:27
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data