Accident Overview
A pilot reported losing directional control after landing in dark night visual conditions. The airplane departed the right side of the runway, entering a grassy area. It then struck the edge of a paved taxiway before coming to a full stop on the taxiway with the engine still operating.
Post-Landing Events
After stopping, the pilot added power to begin taxiing and discovered that the airplane could only steer to the left. The pilot then increased power to initiate a left turn onto the grass, intending to clear the runway. During this taxiing maneuver on the grass surface, the nose wheel inadvertently descended a slope, causing the propeller to strike an obstruction.
Damage
The impact with the obstruction resulted in substantial damage to the forward fuselage structure and the firewall.
Probable Cause
The pilot failed to maintain directional control after landing.