Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
The pilot's failure to identify the taxiway, which resulted in a runway excursion and impact with terrain while turning off the runway at night.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Current)
Analysis
During a night flight, the pilot reported that after he landed on the runway, he slowed the airplane to taxi speed, and continued to the taxiway turnoff. The pilot misidentified the taxiway turn and turned off the runway into a grass area between the runway and taxiway. The pilot reported that the grass area had a downslope that led to level ground and he felt a bump from the tail as the airplane transitioned from the downslope to level ground. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the rudder.
The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airframe or engine that would have precluded normal operation.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# GAA16CA052