Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll, which resulted in a runway excursion.
NTSB analysis
The pilot of the multi-engine tailwheel-equipped airplane reported that during the landing roll, after the tailwheel had touched down, the airplane veered sharply to the left. The pilot further reported that the airplane was close to the left runway edge, so he allowed the airplane to continue off the runway, in effort not to overcorrect to the right. During the runway excursion, the right main landing gear collapsed in soft terrain.
The right wing sustained substantial damage.
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 GAA17CA044 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Oct 23, 2016
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Deming, New Mexico
- Nearest airport
- Deming Muni (DMN)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Beech D18S
- N-number
- N644B
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1948
- 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.