What happened
The aircraft was conducting a public-use flight when it veered off the left side of the runway during the landing roll. The pilot reported that wind conditions were calm at the time of the incident. As the airplane drifted to the left, the pilot attempted to correct the trajectory by applying right rudder input. However, he was unable to stop the drift with this initial correction.
In an effort to regain control, the pilot applied additional right rudder pressure. During this maneuver, his boot became jammed against the heel brakes. This mechanical interference prevented further effective control input. Consequently, the airplane departed from the runway edge and impacted a ditch located adjacent to the airfield.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the sequence of events leading to the departure from the paved surface. Examination of the pilot's account revealed that the loss of directional control was directly linked to physical obstruction in the cockpit. The pilot's boot became trapped by the heel brakes while he was attempting to apply corrective rudder force.
Findings
The primary factor contributing to this accident was the inability to maintain runway centerline due to control interference. fuel exhaustion is not applicable here; rather, the critical issue was the physical jamming of the rudder pedals by the pilot's footwear against the heel brakes. This prevented the pilot from executing necessary corrective actions during the landing roll in calm wind conditions.
Safety message
Pilots should be aware that improper foot placement or loose footwear can interfere with pedal operation, particularly when significant rudder input is required for directional control on the ground.