Flying with an air cast boot leads to loss of directional control

The pilot reported that he was flying the airplane while wearing an “air cast boot.” During landing to the airport in Rock Hill, S.C., the Aerostar 601 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 plane then veered right, exited the runway, and hit a ditch.

The airplane sustained substantial damage to the right wing.

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 pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

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 Identification: GAA19CA083

This November 2018 accident report is provided by the National Transportation Safety Board. Published as an educational tool, it is intended to help pilots learn from the misfortunes of others.