Flight Design Gmbh CTSW N109CT accident near Sanford, Maine

Probable cause

The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll, resulting in a runway excursion and collision with terrain.

NTSB analysis

The pilot reported that he was landing the airplane following a local flight, and the wind was reported as light and variable. Shortly after touchdown, the airplane veered to the left of the runway centerline and the pilot corrected with right rudder. The airplane then turned sharply to the right, the pilot lost directional control, and the airplane departed the runway to the right. The nose landing gear collapsed, the wings contacted the ground, and the airplane came to a stop, upright. Federal Aviation Administration inspectors examined the wreckage and reported substantial damage to the wing roots and upper fuselage. They also examined the nose landing gear, nose tire, and nose wheel steering system and found no evidence of a preexisting mechanical failure or malfunction.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA25LA021 for the full record.