Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control, which resulted in a runway excursion, and a collision with a sign.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that during the landing roll, as the tailwheel lowered, the airplane began to veer to the left. He applied full right rudder, and right brake, with no effect. The pilot stated that he increased the throttle on the left engine, but by that time, the aircraft had veered partially off the runway to the left and struck an airport sign. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing and fuselage.
The pilot reported there were no pre-impact mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airframe or engine that would have precluded normal operation
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for GAA15CA120 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jun 11, 2015
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Everett, Washington
- Nearest airport
- Snohomish County (Paine Fld) (PAE)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Beech RC 45J
- N-number
- N585PB
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1944
- 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.