On 16 Sep 2016, a BEECH B23 was involved in an aviation accident near Raleigh, NC. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll, which resulted in a runway excursion. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 5 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
Pilot cited poor visibility and heavy vegetation pulling airplane left after landing, leading to veer off runway and impact with pine trees.
Incident Overview
A pilot reported that after crossing midfield and entering the traffic pattern, he flew down the centerline to view the runway, noting that it was "getting dark and difficult to see." Following touchdown, the runway conditions were worse than anticipated, and "heavy vegetation pulled" the airplane to the left. The airplane subsequently veered off the runway to the left and impacted a group of small pine trees.
Damage
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the right wing as a result of the impact with the trees.
Pilot Report
The pilot reported no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Contributing factors
Causes
Directional control — Not attained/maintainedPilot
Other contributing factors
Effect on equipmentEffect on personnelContributed to outcome