Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during landing, which resulted in a runway excursion and impact with a taxiway sign.
NTSB analysis
The private pilot reported that, during landing, the airplane touched down on the main landing gear slightly left of centerline. As soon as he lowered the nose landing gear (NLG), he felt the airplane lurch left and then right. The pilot attempted to arrest the movement with rudder inputs, followed by differential braking, but the airplane continued to veer right uncontrollably. He then intentionally increased braking until both wheels started skidding. The airplane skidded sideways and then exited the right side of the runway and collided with a taxiway sign before coming to rest upright.
Examination of the wreckage did not reveal evidence of any preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation. Continuity of the NLG steering system was confirmed. Given the evidence, it is likely that the pilot did not maintain directional control after landing, which resulted in the runway excursion.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA19TA011 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Oct 13, 2018
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Reidsville, Georgia
- Nearest airport
- Swinton Smith Field (RVJ)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Beech F33
- N-number
- N9469Q
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1972
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Personal
From the NTSB aviation accident database: N-registered aircraft, events since 2008, data through Oct 28, 2026. The file is published monthly, so the latest weeks are incomplete and recent records can change. The official source is the NTSB aviation investigation search. CheckAero is independent and not affiliated with the NTSB.