No fatalities

Landing Skid and Runway Excursion Following Brake Lockup

West Union, OH, United States

On March 13, 2014, a BEECH 35 C33A A operated by HERR DAVID P was involved in an aviation accident near West Union, OH. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot stated that he lost control of the airplane due to a lack of recent flight experience, as well as his excessive braking actions, due to recent installation of new brake pads. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 12 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

SourcesNTSBPrimary reportUpdated 2026-08-03Data APIEditorial standards

Pilot applied brakes after touchdown, wheels locked, airplane skidded left off runway and struck lighting obstructions. Pilot cited lack of recent flight experience and excessive braking with new brake pads.

Accident Details

During the landing roll, the pilot applied the brakes. The wheels locked, causing the airplane to skid. It departed the left side of the runway and collided with runway lighting fixtures located near the intersection of the runway and a taxiway.

Pilot Account

The pilot reported that he lost directional control due to two factors: a lack of recent flight experience and excessive braking action. He had not flown any airplane for more than five months prior to the accident. Additionally, new brake pads had recently been installed, which he believed contributed to the wheels locking more readily than expected.

Investigation Notes

No other causal factors were identified in the pilot's statement. The sequence of events began after touchdown when the brakes were applied, leading to the lockup and subsequent skid. The aircraft exited the runway surface to the left before striking the lighting obstructions.

Probable cause

The pilot stated that he lost control of the airplane due to a lack of recent flight experience, as well as his excessive braking actions, due to recent installation of new brake pads.

Contributing factors

Causes

PilotIncorrect use/operation

Other contributing factors

Contributed to outcome