On November 16, 1996, a Cessna T210L (registration N911JB) was involved in an aviation accident near Mesa, AZ. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the landing rollout, which resulted in a runway excursion. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A pilot lost directional control upon touchdown as the aircraft pulled left, veering off the runway to strike a sign and ditch. An FAA inspection found no mechanical issues.
What happened
During the landing phase, the pilot reported that the aircraft began to pull strongly to the left immediately upon touchdown. Despite attempts to maintain directional control, the pilot was unable to keep the aircraft aligned with the runway centerline. The aircraft subsequently veered off the paved surface and collided with a runway sign located near the edge of the runway. Following this impact, the aircraft entered a drainage ditch situated between the runways.
The investigation
An FAA airworthiness inspector examined the aircraft following the incident. The inspection revealed no mechanical discrepancies or defects that would explain the loss of directional control during the landing roll.
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the landing rollout, which resulted in a runway excursion.