Incident Overview
A flight instructor reported that, after demonstrating a simulated emergency landing, he taxied the airplane off the runway and prepared to back taxi for departure. During the taxi, the instructor and student monitored the right-wing tip clearance in relation to the overgrown brush on the right side of the runway. As the airplane moved, the right wing became entangled with the brush, and the airplane veered to the right. In response, the instructor applied left rudder and brake, but the airplane continued and impacted a ditch.
Postaccident Examination
A postaccident examination revealed that the right wing struck a tree, resulting in substantial damage to the airplane. The instructor reported no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions that would have precluded normal operation.
Instructor's Additional Comments
In a postaccident interview, the instructor noted that the airport did not have pavement markings. To maintain directional control during taxi, he used a pavement crack down the middle of the taxiway as a reference point. He also observed that the entangled brush near the location where the wing struck a tree appeared to be more overgrown compared to other areas along the taxiway.