Probable cause
The pilot’s loss of control due to the passenger’s inadvertent application of left rudder during the takeoff roll.
NTSB analysis
The pilot and two passengers planned on a local flight. The beginning of the takeoff roll was normal, with light wind down the runway. According to the pilot, when the airplane reached about 60-65 knots, the right seat passenger inadvertently pushed on the left rudder pedal. The pilot was unable to stop the turn; the airplane departed the runway surface and proceeded down a grass embankment. Examination of the airplane revealed substantial damage to the outboard section of the left wing and aileron. The pilot did not report any mechanical anomalies that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN13CA499 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Aug 18, 2013
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Wheeling, Illinois
- Nearest airport
- Chicago Executive (KPWK)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Beech 35
- N-number
- N779RB
- Category
- Airplane
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Personal
From the NTSB aviation accident database: N-registered aircraft, events since 2008, data through Oct 28, 2026. The file is published monthly, so the latest weeks are incomplete and recent records can change. The official source is the NTSB aviation investigation search. CheckAero is independent and not affiliated with the NTSB.