Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain the proper approach path, and his delayed remedial action, which resulted in a runway undershoot and collision with terrain prior to the runway.
NTSB analysis
According to the pilot's written statement, while on final approach for a straight in landing at his destination airport, the pilot had to apply right crosswind correction due to prevailing winds. He stated he "encountered a downdraft and picked up a decent rate." The pilot applied power but impacted short of the runway. The nose landing gear separated, the airplane nosed over, and then came to rest inverted. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the engine mounts and the right wing root and spar. The pilot reported no pre-impact mechanical malfunctions or anomalies that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA14CA298 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jun 14, 2014
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Milton, Florida
- Nearest airport
- Peter Prince Field (2R4)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Flight Design Gmbh CTSW
- N-number
- N476CT
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 2007
- 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.