Overview
A pleasure cross-country flight concluded with an accident during the landing roll. According to the pilot's report, the passenger in the back seat moved around and inadvertently engaged the right brake pedal. This action caused the aircraft to depart the runway and collide with the terrain.
Sequence of Events
The flight was uneventful until the landing phase. After touchdown, as the aircraft was rolling on the runway, the passenger began moving about in the rear seat. During this movement, the passenger accidentally depressed the right brake. The uncommanded braking caused the aircraft to veer from its path.
Pilot Response
The pilot attempted to regain control but reported that before they could correct the deviation, the aircraft had already exited the runway surface. The aircraft then struck the terrain adjacent to the runway. The pilot stated that no mechanical failure or malfunction occurred with the aircraft at any point during the flight, including the time of the accident.
Reported Findings
The pilot's account identifies the passenger's movement and accidental brake application as the direct precursor to the runway excursion. No other factors were mentioned in the report.