On May 14, 1997, a Cessna 172 (registration N9504H) was involved in an aviation accident near Vero Beach, FL. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's inability to maintain directional control during landing rollout due to a quart-sized can of engine oil lodged under the left rudder pedal. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 1 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
A pilot was unable to steer an aircraft during landing rollout after discovering a quart-sized can of engine oil lodged under the left rudder pedal, causing the plane to leave the runway.
What happened
During the landing rollout phase, the pilot encountered a critical loss of directional control. Despite applying inputs to the rudder and wheel brake controls, the aircraft failed to respond as expected. Unable to maintain the runway centerline, the aircraft veered off the side of the paved surface. It continued to move laterally before turning back toward the runway area as it decelerated to a stop.
Upon coming to a complete halt, the pilot inspected the cockpit and discovered the root cause of the malfunction. A one-quart can of engine oil was found lodged underneath the left rudder pedal mechanism. This foreign object prevented the pedal from moving freely, effectively neutralizing the pilot's ability to steer using the primary directional control surfaces during the critical landing phase.
Probable cause
The pilot's inability to maintain directional control during landing rollout due to a quart-sized can of engine oil lodged under the left rudder pedal.
What happened in the 14 May 1997 Cessna 172 accident near Vero Beach, FL?
A pilot was unable to steer an aircraft during landing rollout after discovering a quart-sized can of engine oil lodged under the left rudder pedal, causing the plane to leave the runway.
Were there any fatalities in the 14 May 1997 Cessna 172 accident?
No fatalities were recorded in this accident.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 14 May 1997 involved a Cessna 172, registration N9504H, at Vero Beach, FL.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot's inability to maintain directional control during landing rollout due to a quart-sized can of engine oil lodged under the left rudder pedal.
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