NTSB Factual Report

In a written statement, the pilot reported that the purpose of the flight was to perform stop-and-go practice takeoffs and landings on a paved runway. The pilot's home-base airport consisted of a grass strip, and as a means to keep current, he had become partial to occasionally flying his airplane to paved runways; he had flown to the accident airport previously (about three times every year over the duration of several years). On the fourth landing, the airplane came to a stop about 2,400 feet down the runway surface and the pilot rapidly attempted to move the airplane clear of the active runway. He added power and executed a left turn onto the taxiway and noted that the airplane was moving faster then he had intended for the required sharp turn to a narrow taxiway surface. The pilot attempted to brake the airplane to no avail, and it continued off the pavement surface and began paralleling the taxiway adjacent to a ditch. The right wing contacted the opposite bank of the ditch and the airplane pivoted 90 degrees about the wingtip, coming to rest with the nose gear collapsed at the bottom of the ditch.

The pilot reported that the accident could have been prevented if the following occurred: reduction in taxi speed, if he had converted the airplane brakes to toe brakes, if he did not fly the airplane with serious personal issues pending, and if he had a detailed familiarity with the airport. He added that the wind conditions were from 130 degrees at 5 knots, gusting to 10 knots. The airplane incurred damage to the main spar as a result of the accident.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's excessive taxi speed, which led to a loss of control.