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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

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NTSB Report

November 28, 2018 · Smith AEROSTAR601 Undesignat · N909CA

Rock Hill, SC

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
November 28, 2018
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Rock Hill, SC
Aircraft
Smith AEROSTAR601 Undesignat (1976)
Tail Number
N909CA
Operator
P&M Truck Sale
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
GAA19CA083

The pilot reported that he was flying the airplane while wearing an "air cast boot." During landing, the airplane decelerated, and he asked the passenger to move his feet up to the brake pedals and apply the brakes. He added that the passenger applied "insufficient differential brake application," and the airplane veered left. The passenger applied right brake and rudder to correct, but the airplane then veered right, exited the runway, and impacted a ditch. The pilot reported that he was wearing the boot due to a previous injury. He added that he had the ability to fully manipulate both rudder controls, but the boot prevented him from being able to fully apply brake pressure. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the right wing. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's improper decision to fly with an air cast boot on his foot, which led him to rely on the passenger to apply brakes and rudder, which was performed improperly and led to a loss of directional control.

Full Narrative

The pilot reported that he was flying the airplane while wearing an "air cast boot", during landing, the airplane decelerated, and he asked the passenger to move his feet up to the brake pedals and apply the brakes. He added that the passenger applied "insufficient differential brake application was applied" and the airplane veered left. The passenger applied right brake and rudder to correct, the airplane then veered to the right, exited the runway, and impacted a ditch. The pilot reported that he was wearing the boot due to a previous injury. He added that he had the ability to fully manipulate both rudder controls, but the boot prevented him from being able to fully apply brake pressure. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the right wing. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. The automated weather observation station located on the airport reported that, about 31 minutes before the accident, the wind was from 340° at 6 knots. The same automated station reported that, about 29 minutes after the accident, the wind was from 330° at 7 knots. The airplane landed on runway 02.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time10:25 EST
Nearest AirportRock Hill/York Co/Bryant Field (0nm SSW)
Runway02
Runway Length5500 ft
Runway Width100 ft
Flight Plan FiledIFR
Flight Plan ActivatedYes
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftSmith AEROSTAR601 Undesignat
Tail NumberN909CA
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorP&M Truck Sale
Operating RulePart 91
Engines2
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · TIO-540-S1A5 · Reciprocating · 300 | Lycoming · TIO-540-S1A5 · Reciprocating · 300
Seats6

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 55 · Second Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind330° @ 7 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point37 C / 19 C
Altimeter30.01 inHg
Observation Time15:54
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data