Aircraft: Cessna 180. Injuries: None. Location: Abingdon, Va. Aircraft damage: Substantial.

What reportedly happened: According to the pilot, after the airplane touched down it started to veer to the left as he began to apply the brakes. Attempts to apply right rudder were blocked because the passenger had stretched his legs out and blocked the rudder pedals. The airplane went off the left side of the runway and into a ditch.

Probable cause: The passenger’s inadvertent blockage of the rudder pedals, which resulted in the pilot’s inability to maintain directional control during the landing roll.

NTSB Identification: ERA12CA288

This April 2012 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.