Accident Details
The pilot of an airplane reported that during a return flight, he chose to fly from the right pilot seat to allow a cargo handler to sit in the left pilot seat. The taxi to the runway was short and required minimal rudder input. However, during the takeoff roll, as the pilot added power, he perceived that he did not have full right rudder authority and was unable to maintain the runway centerline. The airplane subsequently exited the left side of the runway, struck a small ridge, and came to rest in a nose-down attitude.
Aircraft Damage
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage and left wing as a result of the accident sequence.
Pilot Observations
The pilot reported that after the accident, he realized that the airplane was equipped with stowable rudder pedals on the right side, and that the pedals had been left in the stowed position. He noted that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions that would have precluded normal operation.