Flight Crew Multiengine; Flight Crew Instrument; Flight Crew Flight Instructor; Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 30; Flight Crew Total 6900; Flight Crew Type 100
Aircraft Equipment Problem Critical; Ground Event / Encounter Loss Of Aircraft Control; Ground Excursion Taxiway
General Evacuated
Aircraft
During taxi the aircraft experienced a loss of nose wheel steering and the aircraft began to veer to the right. Left rudder input and left differential braking were unable to overcome the right hand turn and prevent the aircraft from exiting the taxiway. The use of differential power on the right engine to attempt to control the right turn was also unsuccessful in turning the aircraft. The right main gear departed the taxiway and entered into soft mud which pulled the aircraft to the right and caused the aircraft to come to a stop with the nose wheel approximately 10 FT off the taxiway. There were no injuries to report and all passengers exited the aircraft once the engines were secured.
A C421 pilot reported losing nose wheel steering on taxi out; resulting in an excursion into the mud.