Beech A36 N3046K accident near Pineville, Louisiana

Probable cause

The airplane’s collision with a stake on a closed runway. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s inadequate preflight planning and failure to see the closed runway markings.

NTSB analysis

The pilot reported that after landing on the runway, he felt a bump on the bottom of the airplane. The pilot saw metal stakes and rope and then remembered that the runway was closed. The pilot taxied to parking without further incident. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage. At the time of the accident, there was a Notice to Air Missions (NOTAM) in effect for the closure of the runway. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

After the accident, the pilot inspected the runway and found that there was a painted yellow “X” at each end of the runway. The pilot also reported that he had been notified by an airport employee about the upcoming runway closure about a month before the accident. The pilot further stated that the sun in his eyes, and various alerts while approaching the airport were distractions.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN25LA037 for the full record.