This August 2007 accident report is provided by the National Transportation Safety Board. Published as an educational tool, it is intended to help pilots learn from the misfortunes of others.
Aircraft: Mooney M20J.
Location: Chesterfield, Mo.
Injuries: None.
Aircraft damage: Substantial.
What reportedly happened: The pilot had just landed and was anxious to clear the runway because another airplane was behind him for landing. He exited the runway at the first available taxiway. He reported that he thought the taxiway intersected the runway at a 90°, but it actually was a high-speed taxiway for landing aircraft from the opposite direction on runway 8R. The airplane went off the taxiway and struck the airport sign.
Probable cause: The pilot failed to maintain directional control while taxiing after landing. A factor was the runway sign.
