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NTSB Report
April 17, 2012 · Cessna 180J · N180BA
Abingdon, VA
Overview
Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
April 17, 2012
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Abingdon, VA
Aircraft
Cessna 180J
Tail Number
N180BA
Operator
Sanford William W
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ERA12CA288
The pilot stated that he made a visual approach for landing at his destination airport. He flared the airplane, and it touched down on the runway. The airplane started to veer to the left as he began to apply brakes. He attempted to apply right rudder, but the rudder would not move because his passenger had inadvertently stretched his legs out and blocked the rudder pedals. The airplane continued off the left side of the runway and collided with a ditch. The airplane sustained structural damage to the left wing and the fuselage. The pilot stated that he did not experience any preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operations.
NTSB Probable Cause
The passenger’s inadvertent blockage of the rudder pedals, which resulted in the pilot’s inability to maintain directional control during the landing roll.
Full Narrative
The pilot stated he made a visual approach for landing at his destination airport. He flared the airplane and touched down on the runway. The airplane started to veer to the left as he began to apply brakes. He attempted to apply right rudder, but the rudder would not move. His passenger had inadvertently stretched his legs out and blocked the rudder pedals. The airplane continued off the left side of the runway and collided with a ditch. He completed an emergency shutdown. He and his passenger exited the airplane without injury. The airplane sustained structural damage to the left wing and the fuselage. The pilot stated he did not experience any pre-accident mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operations.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time11:55 EDT
Nearest AirportVirginia Highlands Airport (0nm)
Runway06
Runway Length4471 ft
Runway Width75 ft
Flight Plan FiledIFR
Flight Plan ActivatedYes
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftCessna 180J
Tail NumberN180BA
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorSanford William W
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsCont Motor · TSIO-520 E · Reciprocating · 265
Seats4
People & Injuries
Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 62 · Third Class · None
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind70° @ 4 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingBroken clouds 10000 ft
Temperature / Dew Point68 F / 46
Altimeter30.27 inHg
Observation Time15:55
Weather SourceWFAC