Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot’s decision to adjust his seat during the takeoff roll, which resulted in the seat sliding aft and a subsequent loss of directional control.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot of the airplane reported that during the takeoff roll he attempted to adjust his seat forward. The seat slid to the full aft position. As a result, the pilot could no longer reach the pedals to maintain directional control. The airplane subsequently departed the runway and nosed over. The pilot was seriously injured and the airplane fuselage, wings and empennage sustained substantial damage. The pilot reported no mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.