Incident Overview
A private-rated pilot and his pilot-rated passenger flew to Jim Taylor Field for an avionics upgrade installation. After the upgrade, the pilot performed several touch-and-go landings in the traffic pattern. The pilot-rated passenger's biennial flight review was approaching, so the pilot wanted to allow him to practice during the flight.
Sequence of Events
After touching down on runway 36, the pilot transferred control of the airplane to the passenger during the landing roll for a planned go-around. Upon taking control, the passenger noted a ground speed of approximately 50 miles per hour. He added engine power for takeoff, and the airplane began to veer left of the centerline. He applied right rudder to correct, but the airplane continued left. Despite applying full right rudder, the airplane exited the runway at approximately a 45-degree angle from the runway edge.
The airplane struck a 5,000-foot runway remaining sign before coming to rest in the grass. After the impact, the passenger realized that during the control transition, he had placed both feet on the left rudder pedal, believing his right foot was on the right rudder pedal.
Damage and Inspection
The pilot and passenger inspected the airplane and found damage to the left side of the engine cowling, the left wing leading edge, the left main landing gear and wheel pant, the left horizontal stabilizer, and the elevator balance fairing.
An aircraft mechanic conducted a postaccident inspection and reported to the NTSB that no mechanical malfunctions or rigging errors were found that would have prevented the rudder pedals from functioning as designed. The mechanic noted that it would be difficult to place both feet on the left rudder pedal as the passenger stated he did.