What happened
The aircraft departed the active pavement during the landing rollout phase. After initial contact with the ground, the airframe drifted toward the right side of the runway. The pilot attempted to correct the deviation but was unable to maintain the centerline or stop within the remaining paved surface. The airplane subsequently struck the adjacent terrain.
The investigation
Following the incident, an FAA Inspector examined the airframe and systems. The inspection revealed no mechanical abnormalities with the brake system that would explain the loss of directional control. Structural examination indicated that the forward spar of the right wing and its tip rib sustained substantial damage during the off-runway excursion.
Findings
The primary factor contributing to the event was the pilot's inability to maintain directional control after touchdown. The failure of corrective steering inputs suggests a loss of traction or asymmetric braking, though the brake system itself tested normal post-accident.