Primary finding
Probable cause
Failure by the pilot to maintain directional control of the aircraft during taxi. A factor was lack of experience in make and model aircraft.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
While taxiing to parking, following landing, the pilot turned short of his route and the aircraft departed the taxiway into a ditch. The pilot had 6 hours total time in this make and model aircraft.
Source record
Factual narrative
On September 2, 1995, at 1330 mountain daylight time, a Maule M5-210C, N51566, struck a ditch during taxi at Silver West Airport, West Cliffe, Colorado. The private pilot was not injured and the aircraft sustained substantial damage. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for this Title 14 CFR Part 91 flight. No flight plan was filed. The aircraft was taxiing to the ramp following landing when the accident occurred. According to the pilot he turned too short and went off the taxiway into a ditch. The pilot operator report provided information that the pilot had six hours total time in this make and model of aircraft prior to the accident flight. -