No fatalities

Pilot Strikes Construction Sign After Taxiing on Closed Runway

Keystone Heights, FL, United States

On September 9, 2019, a Beech 23 C23 was involved in an aviation accident near Keystone Heights, FL. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from a construction sign during taxi operations. 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

A pilot struck a construction sign with the left wing after landing on runway 11 and back taxiing on closed runway 5/23, which was being used as a taxiway per NOTAM.

Accident Details

A pilot reported that after landing on runway 11, he realized that runway 5/23 was being used as a taxiway. He then back taxied on runway 23 with the intention of departing from runway 5. During this process, he made several CTAF transmissions to another airplane that had begun to taxi toward him on runway 23. Uncertain of the taxiing airplane's intentions, the pilot maneuvered his airplane to the left side of runway 5. As he did so, the left wing struck a construction sign.

Aircraft Damage

The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing and aileron.

Airport Information

According to airport NOTAM 09/076, runway 5/23 was closed except for taxi operations Monday through Friday.

Mechanical Status

The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

Contributing factors

Effect on equipmentPilot

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 9 Sept 2019 Beech 23 C23 accident near Keystone Heights, FL?

A pilot struck a construction sign with the left wing after landing on runway 11 and back taxiing on closed runway 5/23, which was being used as a taxiway per NOTAM.

Were there any fatalities in the 9 Sept 2019 Beech 23 C23 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 9 Sept 2019 involved a Beech 23 C23, at Keystone Heights, FL.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from a construction sign during taxi operations.