Incident Details
The pilot reported that he installed a transponder in the airplane and was taxiing to check its operation. During taxi, he lost directional control. After observing a ditch ahead, he applied power to clear it. The airplane cleared the ditch, but upon reducing power, it descended and came to rest in brush. The right main landing gear was sheared off, and skin inboard of that gear was damaged. Additional damage occurred when the airplane was dropped during recovery.
Pilot and Passenger Statements
The pilot initially did not advise the NTSB that a passenger was onboard. He later stated in writing that the airplane never attained liftoff speed and that a wind gust caused a ground loop. The passenger, a pilot-rated FAA-certificated airframe and powerplant mechanic, reported he was onboard to verify the transponder's operation. He donned a headset, buckled his seatbelt out of habit, and was not paying attention to the taxi; he was looking at a sectional chart for a planned future flight. The pilot said words to the effect that the airplane was going to crash. The passenger looked up, saw trees, braced for impact, and the airplane mushed into trees. He exited through the left door because the right door was blocked. He reported the airplane was traveling westbound from the pilot's hangar toward the runway, with wind from the west or southwest at 11–13 mph. He also stated the airplane had a short takeoff and landing (STOL) kit and could become airborne at 40–45 mph.
Witness Accounts
A pilot-rated witness heard engine power applied and observed the airplane flying westbound, climbing steeply to an estimated 100 feet above ground level. It then banked abruptly left to about 45 degrees, followed by a reduction in engine power. The airplane settled to the ground, producing two impact sounds. The engine sounded strong and steady with no sputtering. This witness noted the pilot's house is about 400–450 feet east of the north/south-oriented runway.
Another individual reported hearing an engine start, followed by idle, then an increase to what seemed like taxi rpm. The engine sound then increased to a very high sound for 4–5 seconds, decreased to low rpm, and then a "thump, thump, thump" sound. This person drove to the runway and saw the pilot and passenger walking from the airplane, which was located in weeds west of the runway approximately 25 feet. Ground scars in "soft sandy earth" led to the aircraft.
Additional Information
Review of the FAA Flight Training Handbook states that taxi speed should be such that when the throttle is closed, the airplane can be stopped promptly.