Summary
On October 17, 2019, a Flight Design CTLS (N771TX) was involved in an accident near Monument Valley, UT. The accident resulted in 2 minor injuries. The aircraft sustained substantial damage.
The National Transportation Safety Board determined the probable cause of this accident to be: The pilot's failure to maintain lateral control and to attain adequate altitude during takeoff with a quartering tailwind in gusting wind conditions, which resulted in impact with a sandy berm left of the runway.
The sport pilot reported that during takeoff with a quartering tailwind of 10 knots, gusting up to 20 knots, as soon as the wheels left the pavement, the tail was pushed to the left. He straightened the tail and maintained wings level; however, the airplane was drifting to the left. The pilot reported that due to the tailwind and high altitude, he was getting very little lift. The airplane subsequently contacted sandy terrain on the left side of the runway.
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the right wing and fuselage.
The pilot reported that there were no mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
This accident is documented in NTSB report GAA20CA032. AviatorDB cross-references NTSB investigation data with FAA registry records to provide comprehensive safety information for aircraft N771TX.
Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
The pilot's failure to maintain lateral control and to attain adequate altitude during takeoff with a quartering tailwind in gusting wind conditions, which resulted in impact with a sandy berm left of the runway.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Historical)
Analysis
The sport pilot reported that during takeoff with a quartering tailwind of 10 knots, gusting up to 20 knots, as soon as the wheels left the pavement, the tail was pushed to the left. He straightened the tail and maintained wings level; however, the airplane was drifting to the left. The pilot reported that due to the tailwind and high altitude, he was getting very little lift. The airplane subsequently contacted sandy terrain on the left side of the runway.
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the right wing and fuselage.
The pilot reported that there were no mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# GAA20CA032