This is an excerpt from a report made to the Aviation Safety Reporting System. The narrative is written by the pilot, rather than FAA or NTSB officials. To maintain anonymity, many details, such as aircraft model or airport, are often scrubbed from the reports.
On exiting the runway in the Piper PA-28, I realized I was moving too fast to safely make the turn onto exit 1. Unfortunately, I was about halfway through the turn when I realized this.
There was no opportunity to exit safely on 1, or to return to the runway safely, so I slowed straight ahead, but departed the runway into the packed dirt surface straight ahead. My total distance into the dirt when I stopped was 10-20 feet, then I slowly increased power just enough to get the plane moving back onto the taxiway surface.
Following ground control instructions, I taxied to parking.
Brakes operated normally and visual inspection of the aircraft when parked revealed no damage to brakes, wheels, tires, or propeller.
I believe that “get-there-itis” (the airplane was due back at 0900 and I was worried about being late) tempted me to exit the runway while traveling a bit faster than I would normally do.
My inability to execute the turn without departing the prepared surface is evidence of my error in judgment.
No damage to persons, property, or aircraft.
Primary Problem: Human Factors
ACN: 2166837
When you click on the link it will take you to the ASRS Online Database. Click on Report Number and put the ACN in the search box, then click Search. On that page, click on “view only the 1 most recent report.”
Glad to finally see an admitted error that is not the ever popular failure to check fuel level before flight.
It is best to remember that you can brake or turn but not both at the same time. Turning and braking can lead to an upset with resutling prop and or wing tip strike. Lesson well learned.