Pilot Debrief

BEECH 95-A55 near Southern Pines, NC — 2025-11-09

Final reportERA26LA037
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Date
2025-11-09
Location
Southern Pines, NC, USA
Airport
SOP
Aircraft
BEECH 95-A55
Registration
N500CA
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during takeoff at night, while distracted by an animal approaching the runway, which resulted in collision with a runway light.

NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that he was departing in a multi-engine airplane at night. During the takeoff roll, a small animal darted towards the runway. Distracted, he released a small amount of rudder pressure but elected to continue the takeoff. The airplane subsequently collided with a runway edge light, which resulted in substantial damage to the left aileron. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • Photos
  • 3 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents3

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