Probable cause
The pilot's inability to maintain directional control while landing due to the unintentional obstruction of the rudder by the passenger.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that he was landing the tail wheel equipped 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.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN09CA421 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jul 8, 2009
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Springfield, Illinois
- Nearest airport
- Abraham Lincoln Capital Airpor (SPI)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Pitts S-2A
- N-number
- N18BT
- Category
- Airplane
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Personal
From the NTSB aviation accident database: N-registered aircraft, events since 2008, data through Oct 28, 2026. The file is published monthly, so the latest weeks are incomplete and recent records can change. The official source is the NTSB aviation investigation search. CheckAero is independent and not affiliated with the NTSB.