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NTSB Report

August 20, 2011 · Pitts Special · N2997G

Bessemer, AL

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
August 20, 2011
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Bessemer, AL
Aircraft
Pitts Special
Tail Number
N2997G
Operator
Stephen L Garrison
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ERA11CA477

At the conclusion of the pilot's second flight in the accident airplane, he landed at the destination airport. During the landing roll, 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, came to rest in a grassy area, and 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.

NTSB Probable Cause

Aircraft-Aircraft oper/perf/capability-Performance/control parameters-Directional control-Not attained/maintained - C

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.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time10:30 CDT
Nearest AirportBessemer Airport (0nm)
Runway05
Runway Length6007 ft
Runway Width100 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftPitts Special
Tail NumberN2997G
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorStephen L Garrison
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · AEIO-320 SER · Reciprocating · 160
Seats1

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 52 · Third Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind3 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point63 F
Altimeter29.98 inHg
Observation Time15:53
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data