Accident Details
The pilot of an experimental, amateur-built airplane reported an uneventful landing and initial rollout on runway 27. As the airplane decelerated, directional control was lost. The pilot applied left rudder pedal and "a little" left brake pressure to correct alignment, but the airplane did not respond adequately.
Loss of Control
According to the pilot, he then "made the mistake of moving the steering lever" to redirect the airplane, leading to overcontrol. The airplane veered toward the left side of the runway, prompting the pilot to turn the steering lever to the right. Again overcontrolling, the airplane veered right, exited the right side of the runway, and entered the ground.
Pilot's Observations
The pilot believes the design of the airplane was faulty. He stated that the nose wheel was constructed too close to the main landing gear, forming an equilateral triangle. The nose steering mechanism allowed too much play, making the steering sensitive. In a crosswind, the weathercocking force turned the nose wheel fork, angling the airplane toward the runway edge. At the time of the accident, the wind was from 290 degrees at 8 knots.