Probable cause
A loss of directional control while landing, which resulted in a runway excursion and impact with a ditch.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that after the airplane touched down on the runway, it “unexpectedly” veered to the left. He tried to keep the airplane on the runway by applying full right rudder, but the airplane continued toward the left side of the runway. The pilot said that the airplane was about to pass a taxiway, and he tried to increase the turn to stay on the asphalt. But, due to the airplane’s speed, it went off the runway, into the grass and struck a ditch. This resulted in substantial damage to the left wing. Postaccident examination of the airplane’s braking and rudder system revealed no evidence of any preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA23LA155 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Mar 19, 2023
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Sanford, North Carolina
- Nearest airport
- Raleigh Executive (TTA)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Piper PA-28-181
- N-number
- N565TF
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 2022
- 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.