VERO BEACH, FL, USA
N9504H
Cessna 172
During landing rollout, the pilot was unable to control the aircraft using rudder and wheel brake controls. The aircraft went off the side of the runway and turned around toward the runway as it came to rest. After the aircraft stopped the pilot found a 1 quart can of engine oil lodged under the left rudder pedal.
On May 14, 1997, about 1405 eastern daylight time, a Cessna 172M, N9504H, registered to an individual, ran off the runway while landing at Vero Beach Municipal Airport, Vero Beach, Florida, while on a Title 14 CFR Part 91 personal flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time and no flight plan was filed. The aircraft received substantial damage and the private-rated pilot was not injured. The flight originated from Key West, Florida, the same day, about 1100. The pilot stated that after landing on runway 11 left, she was unable to control the aircraft using the rudder pedals and wheel brakes. The rudder pedals seemed not to be working. The aircraft swerved to the left and went off the side of the runway. The aircraft then made a right turn and came to rest facing the runway. After the accident she found a 1-quart oil can under the left rudder pedal, which she believes slipped forward from the back seat area.
failure of the pilot to ensure all articles in the aircraft were secured before flight, and subsequently, an oil can becoming lodged under the rudder pedals and preventing her from controlling the aircraft during landing.
Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database
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