Accident
On March 28, 2019, at approximately 1545 central daylight time, a Cessna 172S airplane (registration N494JB) sustained substantial damage during a taxiway excursion at David Wayne Hooks Memorial Airport (DWH) in Spring, Texas. The private pilot and a passenger were not injured. The flight was conducted under Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a personal flight.
Taxi and Loss of Control
The pilot reported receiving a taxi clearance to runway 17L via taxiways Juliet and Kilo. After an uneventful right turn from the ramp onto the north/south taxiway Mike, the airplane did not respond to left rudder pedal input intended to turn left onto taxiway Juliet. The pilot then attempted to steer using the left brake, but the airplane still did not respond. She reduced engine power to idle and depressed both brake pedals to stop, but the airplane continued north toward taxiway November. The right main landing gear departed the pavement and descended into a drainage ditch, where the airplane came to rest in the grass alongside the ditch.
Pilot Statement
In a postaccident statement, the pilot indicated that the brakes had worked normally before the taxi from the ramp. She noted a strong tailwind resulted in high groundspeed during taxi, and the airplane became uncontrollable via rudder and brakes. She added that her passenger, also a pilot, was unable to apply wheel brakes while she was struggling to maintain directional control.
Examination
FAA inspectors from the Houston flight standards district office examined the airplane. Substantial damage was found to the right horizontal stabilizer and elevator. A visual inspection of the brake assemblies revealed no anomalies, and a functional check confirmed proper operation. No fluid leaks were observed, and both brake master cylinders contained adequate hydraulic fluid. A functional check of the nosewheel confirmed proper rotation with corresponding rudder pedal input.
Handbook Guidance
The Cessna 172S Pilot Operating Handbook states that effective ground control while taxiing is accomplished through nosewheel steering using rudder pedals. It emphasizes minimizing ground speed and brake use, and notes that proper aileron and elevator positioning for wind direction is necessary. The handbook cautions that strong quartering tailwinds require caution, and that sudden throttle applications and sharp braking should be avoided with a tailwind; directional control should be maintained with the steerable nosewheel and rudder. The FAA Airplane Flying Handbook (FAA-H-8083-3C) advises maintaining a safe taxiing speed to ensure directional control and the ability to recognize hazards in time to stop or turn as desired, recommending a speed slow enough that the airplane can be stopped promptly when the throttle is closed.