Incident Overview
During a planned local flight, the pilot and two passengers began a takeoff roll under light wind conditions. The pilot reported that the initial portion of the takeoff was normal. As the aircraft reached approximately 60-65 knots, the right-seat passenger inadvertently applied pressure to the left rudder pedal. The pilot was unable to counteract the resulting turn, and the aircraft departed the runway surface, proceeding down a grass embankment.
Aircraft Damage
A post-incident examination revealed substantial damage to the outboard section of the left wing and aileron. No other damage was noted.
Pilot Report
The pilot did not report any mechanical anomalies that would have precluded normal operation. The aircraft's flight controls and systems were not cited as factors in the incident.