N18BT

Substantial
None

PITTS S-2AS/N: 2221

Accident Details

Date
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
NTSB Number
CEN09CA421
Location
Springfield, IL
Event ID
20090708X15416
Coordinates
39.844165, -89.678054
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
Highest Injury
None
Fatalities
0
Serious Injuries
0
Minor Injuries
0
Uninjured
2
Total Aboard
2

Probable Cause and Findings

The pilot's inability to maintain directional control while landing due to the unintentional obstruction of the rudder by the passenger.

Aircraft Information

Registration
N18BT
Make
PITTS
Serial Number
2221
Engine Type
Reciprocating
Year Built
1980
Model / ICAO
S-2APTMS
Aircraft Type
Fixed Wing Single Engine
No. of Engines
1

Registered Owner (Historical)

Name
VORTEX GENERATIONS INC
Address
14824 N PRICHARD RD
Status
Deregistered
City
LEWISTOWN
State / Zip Code
IL 61542
Country
United States

Analysis

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.

Data Source

Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# CEN09CA421