Flight Design Gmbh CTLS N995LS accident near Pittsford, Michigan

Probable cause

The student pilot’s failure to maintain directional control of the airplane while maneuvering at a low altitude.

NTSB analysis

The 15-hour student pilot was making a low pass over a relative’s private airstrip when the accident occurred. The student stated that on the first low pass he used 15-degrees of flaps. He stated that he used 30-degrees of flaps during the second low pass and the airplane “pitched” to the left when he added power to go around. He was unable to correct the loss of directional control, and the airplane’s left wing contacted trees and separated from the airplane before it impacted the ground. The closest weather reporting station located 7 miles northwest of the accident site reported the wind was from the southwest at 7 knots and the landing was being made to the south. Postaccident examination revealed no evidence of preimpact mechanical malfunction or failure that would have precluded normal operation.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN12CA603 for the full record.