What happened
The aircraft departed the end of a runway measuring 1,000 feet in length and 75 feet in width. Shortly after leaving the paved surface, the airplane struck trees located approximately ten feet above the ground.
According to the pilot's account, the incident originated from an unauthorized maneuver initiated by a nonpilot passenger seated in the rear cabin. The pilot permitted this individual to perform a high-speed taxi while occupying the back seat. During this operation, the passenger's feet became trapped within the rudder pedals. This physical entanglement caused unintended control inputs that resulted in the airplane becoming airborne prematurely and departing the runway environment.
The investigation
Investigators reviewed the pilot's statement regarding the sequence of events leading to the accident. The primary finding centered on the loss of directional control due to the passenger's interference with the flight controls during the taxi phase.