Accident Details
After touchdown, the pilot transitioned the aircraft to the taxiway to proceed to the ramp. He did not review the airport diagram, citing familiarity with the airport. During taxi, the pilot encountered a heavy rain shower and ground fog. He continued toward the ramp, following the yellow line, but his taxi speed was too fast for the prevailing weather conditions.
Pilot Account
The pilot stated that as he taxied onto the ramp, he was looking outside the airplane for the fixed base operator when his passenger said something. At that moment, he realized the airplane had traveled off the ramp onto the grass. Before he could apply the brakes, the airplane collided with a pole.
Findings
The investigation determined that the pilot's taxi speed was excessive given the weather conditions of heavy rain and ground fog. The pilot's decision to not consult the airport diagram, although familiar with the airport, did not mitigate the risks posed by the reduced visibility.