N2997G

Substantial
None

PITTS SPECIALS/N: BM-01

Accident Details

Date
Saturday, August 20, 2011
NTSB Number
ERA11CA477
Location
Bessemer, AL
Event ID
20110829X95738
Coordinates
33.307498, -86.922225
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
Highest Injury
None
Fatalities
0
Serious Injuries
0
Minor Injuries
0
Uninjured
1
Total Aboard
1

Probable Cause and Findings

The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll.

Aircraft Information

Registration
Make
PITTS
Serial Number
BM-01
Engine Type
Reciprocating
Model / ICAO
SPECIALPTS1
Aircraft Type
Fixed Wing Single Engine
No. of Engines
1
Seats
1
FAA Model
SPECIAL

Registered Owner (Current)

Name
HIEMENZ THOMAS S
Address
1290 OSPREY WAY
City
GREENWOOD
State / Zip Code
IN 46143-7335
Country
United States

Analysis

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.

Data Source

Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# ERA11CA477