Accident Overview
An aircraft overran the end of the runway and struck an embankment while conducting an aborted takeoff. The incident occurred shortly after takeoff roll began, when the aircraft unexpectedly settled back onto the runway surface.
Pilot's Account
The pilot reported that shortly after initiating the takeoff, the aircraft became airborne briefly but then settled back onto the runway. In response, he reduced engine power to idle, raised the flaps, and attempted to stop the aircraft. Despite these efforts, the aircraft continued beyond the runway end and contacted an embankment.
The pilot speculated that the passenger seated in the right front seat may have unintentionally lowered the flaps to the full down position by striking the flap handle with his left knee. He believed this action could have caused the aircraft to lose lift and settle back onto the runway.
Investigation Findings
Post-accident testing was conducted to evaluate the possibility of the passenger inadvertently activating the flap handle. The testing revealed that the scenario described by the pilot—where the passenger's left knee could contact and move the flap handle to the full down position—was physically possible. No other contributing factors were identified in the available information.