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2016-10-23: Beechcraft D18 (N644B) — Bob McCully — Deming, United States of America

Deming, United States of AmericaLanding (descent or approach)

On October 23, 2016, a Beechcraft D18 (registration N644B) operated by Bob McCully was involved in an aviation accident near Deming, United States of America during landing or approach. 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 the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary reportUpdated 1781192182Data APIEditorial standards

During the landing roll of a multi-engine tailwheel airplane, the pilot reported a sharp left veer after tailwheel touchdown. To avoid overcorrection, the pilot allowed the airplane to exit the runway, resulting in a terrain excursion. The right main landing gear collapsed and the right wing sustained substantial damage. No preaccident mechanical issues were reported.

Accident Overview

A multi-engine tailwheel-equipped airplane experienced a runway excursion during the landing roll. The pilot reported that after the tailwheel touched down, the airplane veered sharply to the left. The aircraft was close to the left runway edge, so the pilot elected to continue off the runway rather than risk overcorrecting to the right. During the excursion into soft terrain, the right main landing gear collapsed, and the right wing sustained substantial damage.

Pilot Report

According to the pilot, there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation. The pilot's actions were in response to the loss of directional control after touchdown.

Damage

The right main landing gear collapsed while traversing soft terrain. The right wing received substantial damage. No other damage or injuries were reported.

Probable Cause

The official probable cause of the accident was the pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll, which resulted in a runway excursion.

Runway excursion

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