Probable cause
The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll, which resulted in a runway excursion.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that he crossed midfield, entered the traffic pattern, and then flew down the centerline to "view the runway", but it was "getting dark and difficult to see". The pilot further reported that after touchdown the runway conditions were worse than he had expected and "heavy vegetation pulled" the airplane to the left. The airplane veered off the runway to the left and impacted a group of small pine trees.
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the right wing.
The pilot reported no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for GAA16CA494 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Sep 16, 2016
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Raleigh, North Carolina
- Nearest airport
- Triple W (5W5)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Dusk
Beech B23
- N-number
- N4002T
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1969
- 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.