Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot’s decision to adjust his seat during taxi, which resulted in his seat sliding aft, and subsequent loss of directional control.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot reported that he attempted to adjust his seat while taxing the airplane. The seat slid aft, and he was unable to reach the rudder pedals. The airplane traversed across a taxiway, impacted a swale, then continued onto a runway before the pilot was able to regain control. The airplane’s rudder and lower aft fuselage were substantially damaged. The pilot reported there were no pre-accident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.