The pilot reported that during the takeoff roll in a Champion 7ECA at an airport in San Diego, he inadvertently actuated the left brake when his left foot became entangled within the rudder pedal and control cable.
He then lost control of the plane and subsequently groundlooped, which resulted in structural damage to the fuselage.
The NTSB determined the probable cause as the pilot’s failure to maintain directional control of the airplane during takeoff roll.
NTSB Identification: WPR15CA041
This November 2014 accident report is provided by the National Transportation Safety Board. Published as an educational tool, it is intended to help pilots learn from the misfortunes of others.
First item on my checklist. Make sure everything is neat and tidy. If you leave junk around I guarantee you that someday something like this will happen to you. Ask me how I know. It’s a tough lesson to learn but everything has its place in the cockpit including you.