# NTSB FTW91LA009: Piper PA-28R-180, N4537J, Eufaula, OK, October 25, 1990

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: October 25, 1990, 12:10 local (17:10 UTC)
- Place: Eufaula, OK
- Coordinates: 35.290256, -95.579193 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=35.2903&lon=-95.5792&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Landing](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/550) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 3 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report December 30, 1992
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 23287
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=FTW91LA009
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/23287/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW91LA009

## Probable cause

A RESTRICTION IN THE MOVEMENT OF THE RIGHT RUDDER PEDAL. THE RESTRICTION RESULTED FROM A PASSENGER'S INADVERTENT PLACEMENT OF AN OBJECT ON THE COCKPIT'S FLOOR.

## Sequence of events

In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf).

- Loss of control - on ground/water, landing - roll
  - flight control,rudder - blocked(partial) (cause)
  - directional control - not possible, pilot in command
  - control interference - inadvertent, passenger (contributing factor)
- On ground/water collision with object, landing - roll
  - object - runway light
  - object - sign

## Analysis

THE PILOT MADE A NORMAL LANDING. DURING THE LANDING ROLL, THE PILOT WAS NOT ABLE TO MAINTAIN DIRECTIONAL CONTROL OF THE AIRPLANE AND IT DEPARTED THE RUNWAY. THE AIRCRAFT COLLIDED WITH FOUR RUNWAY LIGHTS, A SIGN, AND A BENCH. THE RIGHT FRONT SEAT PASSENGER HAD INADVERTENTLY DROPPED A CAMERA CASE WHICH RESTRICTED THE RIGHT RUDDER PEDAL'S MOVEMENT.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N4537J](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N4537J-2001-11-06), registration cancelled 2001-11-06, S/N 28R-30396, built 1968 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA-28R-180
- Registry model: [Piper PA-28R-180](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-28r-180) (registry code 7102809) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming I0360 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-i0360-series) (registry code 41515, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 287R-30396
- Engines: LYCOMING IO-360-B1E 180 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Crabtree Aircraft Co. Inc.
- Departed: GOK, GUTHRIE, OK
- Airport: OF7, Fountainhead, runway 18, 3,000 × 50 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 37; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; flight hours: 244 total, 8 in this make and model, 203 as pilot in command, 30 in the last 90 days, 7 in the last 30 days, 1 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 220° at 5 knots
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: -0 °F, dew point -0 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: MLC, 32 nm away

## FAA reports on this event (1)

The FAA's own accident and incident reports, matched to the aircraft by N-number and date (OpenAirDocs).

- [Accident 19901025047079A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19901025047079A), Oct 25, 1990: Piper PA28R180, Eufaula, OK, Substantial damage. Veered off runway on landing roll. Unable correct. Found plastic camera case jammed under right side rudder pedal.

From the NTSB's public API. Aircraft are matched to registry aircraft by N-number and event date, checked against the reported serial number, make and model; the registry's history has gaps, so older matches can be wrong. Compare the reported make and model.

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