Incident Description
During taxi to the runway, the solo student pilot attempted to adjust his seat for a better view. Upon releasing the seat latch, the seat moved aft, and his feet could no longer reach the rudder or brake pedals. He noted that his seat belt prevented him from leaning forward.
Sequence of Events
The airplane then veered left. The pilot reduced the engine throttle to idle, but the aircraft departed the taxiway, entered a ditch, and collided with a wire fence.
Aircraft Damage
Substantial damage was sustained to the left wing and right horizontal stabilizer.
Pilot Report
The student pilot stated that no mechanical failures or malfunctions existed before the accident that would have affected normal operation.
Background
The incident occurred while the student pilot was taxiing toward the departure runway. He was the sole occupant.
Seat Adjustment Issue
Seeking to improve his view, the pilot released the seat latch. The seat immediately slid rearward, causing a loss of contact with the rudder and brake pedals. The pilot reported he could not lean forward because his seat belt was fastened.
Loss of Directional Control
As a result of being unable to apply rudder or brakes, the airplane turned left. The pilot responded by retarding the throttle to idle, but the airplane continued off the taxiway.
Collision and Damage
The airplane entered a ditch and struck a wire fence. Post-impact inspection revealed substantial damage to the left wing and the right horizontal stabilizer.
Mechanical Condition
The pilot indicated that the airplane had no pre-existing mechanical issues that would have prevented normal operation.