Probable cause
The pilot's inadequate compensation for the gusting winds during landing.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that as he approached the destination airport he listened to the automated weather conditions. The reported conditions included winds from 290 degrees at 25 knots gusting to 35 knots. The pilot stated that he flew an extended downwind to Runway 30 in order to ensure runway alignment. On final approach, he increased his speed and used less flap extension to allow for the gusting wind conditions. He stated that when the airplane was about to touch down, a gust of wind raised the airplane into the air and then the airplane dropped abruptly to the runway. When the airplane impacted the runway, the nose landing gear and right main landing gear collapsed. The impact resulted in substantial damage to the firewall. The pilot reported no preaccident malfunctions of the airplane.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN09CA305 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- May 13, 2009
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Mitchell, South Dakota
- Nearest airport
- Mitchell Municipal Airport (MHE)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Dawn
Flight Design Gmbh CT2K
- N-number
- N433CT
- Category
- Airplane
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Personal
Other records under this N-number
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.