Accident Overview
A student pilot reported that he had recently removed the airplane's skis and reinstalled tundra tires. After adding hydraulic fluid to the airplane's brake system, he boarded the airplane, locked the brakes, and started the engine. He noted that prior to the accident, he had no intention of flying.
Pilot's Account
While momentarily looking down at the instrument panel, the pilot realized that the airplane was moving downhill on the taxiway. Unable to stop the airplane, he elected to apply full engine power in an attempt to fly. The airplane initially became airborne, but settled into a stand of small birch trees at the end of the taxiway. The pilot said that a quartering tailwind contributed to the accident.
Damage and Mechanical Status
The airplane received structural damage to both wings and the fuselage. According to the NTSB Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report submitted by the pilot, there were no preaccident mechanical anomalies noted with the airplane.
Safety Recommendation
The pilot noted, in part, in the safety recommendation section of the NTSB report: "Bleed brakes after every ski/wheel changeover."