Smith AEROSTAR601 N909CA accident near Rock Hill, South Carolina

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.

NTSB analysis

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.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for GAA19CA083 for the full record.