Casualties unknown

2003-10-18: Beech A23-24 (N2394W) — David YU Shen Lai — Beaufort, NC

Beaufort, NC, US

On October 18, 2003, a Beech A23-24 (registration N2394W) operated by David YU Shen Lai was involved in an aviation accident near Beaufort, NC. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's misjudgment of speed and distance, and his failure to perform a go-around which resulted in an overrun and on ground collision with terrain. 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 1781061362Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot with difficulty identifying runways landed on runway 14, causing three bounces and an overrun into a ditch. A witness observed a fast approach and late touchdown.

Approach and Landing

During the approach to the airport, the pilot experienced difficulty in visually identifying the runway layout. After recognizing runway 14, he decided to land on it. The landing was not stabilized, and the airplane bounced three times upon touchdown. The airplane then overran the departure end of runway 14 and came to a stop in a ditch beyond. The pilot stated that the airplane's systems and controls functioned normally, with no mechanical issues reported.

Witness Account

An individual who observed the landing provided a statement. According to this witness, the airplane was traveling at a high speed during the approach. The airplane crossed the intersection of runway 14 with runway 3 at an altitude of approximately 60 feet. The witness estimated that only about one hundred yards of runway remained when the pilot "forced it down."

Pilot Report

The pilot who operated the airplane submitted a report. In it, he noted that he had difficulty recognizing the runways during the approach. After identifying runway 14, he executed a landing on that runway. The landing resulted in three bounces and a subsequent runway excursion into a ditch. The pilot also confirmed that there was no mechanical malfunction with the airplane.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20031021X01785. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.