Accident Overview
The airplane collided with trees after losing directional control during takeoff. The pilot reported that as the airplane became airborne, it drifted to the right. Attempting to correct with rudder, the pilot felt as if the rudder was "locked." The pilot aborted the takeoff and landed back on the airstrip. Upon landing, the airplane veered to the left, as if the left brake was locked. The airplane was traveling at an airspeed of 35 to 40 miles per hour when it contacted trees along the left side of the airstrip.
Pilot's Account
The pilot stated that after the airplane was removed from the trees, the brake was free and the rudder functioned normally. The pilot believed that the front seat passenger, who had never flown in a small airplane, had his feet on the rudders during the takeoff.
Passenger's Account
The front seat passenger stated his feet were flat on the floor during the flight and not on the rudder pedals.
Post-Accident Examination
Examination of the rudder and brake systems failed to reveal any mechanical failure or malfunction that would have resulted in the loss of directional control.