Incident Overview
A pilot reported a loss of control during the takeoff roll, attributing the event to a combination of personal stress and an obstructed rudder pedal. According to the pilot's account, his wife had informed him of her intention to seek a divorce the day before the flight. The pilot stated, "I believe now I was not prepared to taxi the aircraft, lack of concentration due to stress."
Sequence of Events
The pilot described applying power, after which the tail of the aircraft rose and the airplane began drifting to the left. He attempted to apply right rudder to correct the deviation but discovered that a small electric cockpit heater, which he had left on the floor near the rudder pedals, had moved forward and locked the rudder pedals. Unable to correct the drift, the pilot reduced power and applied the brakes. Despite these efforts, the aircraft departed the left side of the runway.
Damage Assessment
The excursion resulted in the collapse of the right main landing gear and damage to a wing. The pilot noted on the NTSB accident report that no mechanical malfunction or failure was involved in the accident.
Pilot Observations
No further details regarding the aircraft type, registration, location, or occupants were provided in the pilot's account. The pilot did not indicate any injuries or additional contributing factors beyond the stress and the heater obstruction.