Probable cause
The pilot’s loss of directional control during takeoff roll due the passenger’s interference with the rudder pedals, which resulted in a runway excursion.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that during the takeoff roll, the airplane drifted left so he applied right rudder, but the rudder pedals were “jammed” by the passenger in the left seat. The pilot was unable to maintain directional control. The airplane departed the left side of the runway and continued through a culvert, which resulted in substantial damage to the fuselage. The pilot reported no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN23LA366 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Aug 11, 2023
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Derby, Kansas
- Nearest airport
- Cook Airfield (K50)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Cessna 172
- N-number
- N6205E
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1958
- 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.