Casualties unknown

Takeoff Runway Excursion and Collision with VASI Pillar (N2118D)

Houston, TX, US

On May 13, 2001, a Beech D35 (registration N2118D) was involved in an aviation accident near Houston, TX. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control during the takeoff roll. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-06-10Data APIEditorial standards

During takeoff roll, an airplane exited the left side of the runway, struck a VASI pillar, crossed ditches and a taxiway, and came to rest near fuel tanks. The pilot reported misplacement of foot on rudder pedal.

Accident Sequence

During the takeoff roll, approximately 1,100 feet down the runway, the airplane veered left and exited the runway surface. It subsequently struck a concrete pillar that supports the visual approach slope indicator (VASI). After the impact, the airplane continued through a ditch, crossed a taxiway, and traversed another ditch on the opposite side of the taxiway before coming to rest in proximity to several above-ground fuel tanks.

Pilot Report

The pilot informed airport personnel that, during the takeoff roll, he had inadvertently placed his right foot on the left rudder pedal.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20010713X01422. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.