Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot’s inadvertent application of the right brake and subsequent loss of airplane directional control, which resulted in a taxiway excursion and impact with trees.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot reported that he was traveling north on the taxiway and had intended to apply the left brake to taxi the airplane toward the runway, but he inadvertently applied the right brake. The airplane departed the taxiway and went down an embankment where it impacted trees. The airplane sustained substantial damage to both wings. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.