Flight Design Gmbh CTLS N9922P accident near Moorhead, Minnesota

Probable cause

The failure to maintain adequate airspeed for the wind conditions during landing, which resulted in a loss of airplane control.

NTSB analysis

The pilot overflew the airport to verify wind conditions; the windsock indicated a slight crosswind for the landing. While on short final approach for runway 12, the airplane encountered a wind gust, and the pilot applied rudder and aileron to compensate for the wind conditions. The airplane subsequently stalled above the runway and landed hard. The airplane departed the runway surface, entered a ditch, nosed over, and came to rest inverted. The pilot reported no mechanical problems prior to the accident. The airplane's wings and fuselage were bent and cracked. The pilot reported that the wind was 220 degrees at 9 knots, gusting to 14 knots.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN12CA295 for the full record.