A system and method are provided for applying a pitch motor braking torque to a rotor blade. Accordingly, of the pitch control system from a 1 st operational mode to an emergency operational mode is initiated. The pitch motor of the pitch control system having an absence of supply current during the transition. A short-circuit is established across the Armature of the pitch motor so as to establish a current flow. The current is generated by the pitch motor in response to rotation of the rotor blade about the pitch axis when the pitch motor has the absence of supply current. In response to the current flow being generated, generating a braking torque in a single direction with the pitch motor so as to allow the rotor blade to move freely to a lesser loaded orientation relative to an original orientation to protect the wind turbine from damage.