This February 2007 accident report is provided by the National Transportation Safety Board. Posted as an educational tool, it is intended to help pilots learn from the misfortunes of others.
Aircraft: Piper Super Cruiser.
Location: Elberton, Ga.
Injuries: None.
Aircraft damage: Substantial.
What reportedly happened: The pilot was flying from the front seat. Unbeknownst to him, the rear seat passenger put his feet on the left brake during the landing roll.
This caused the airplane to veer to the left. Before the pilot could regain control of the airplane it went off the runway and collided with trees.
Probable cause: The passenger’s inadvertent application of the left brake during landing roll, which resulted in a swerve to the left and impact with trees.
For more information: NTSB.gov/ntsb/brief.asp?ev_id=20070307X00259&key=1.
Excellent item to add to Landing Check list.
Without question, where-ever you have a person in the right seat.