Amateur-built CE 1 N473CQ accident near Cottonwood, Arizona

Probable cause

The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during takeoff in gusting crosswind conditions.

NTSB analysis

The pilot reported that, immediately after takeoff, the airplane drifted hard to the right. He applied left aileron and left rudder to no avail. Subsequently, the right wing and landing gear impacted the ground, and the airplane came to rest nose down.

The airplane sustained substantial damage to the right wing and fuselage.

The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

The automated weather observation system about 14 nautical miles from the accident site reported that, about the time of the accident, the wind was from 200° at 15 knots, gusting to 22 knots. The pilot was departing on runway 32.

As a recommendation, the pilot reported that a higher takeoff speed would have helped him better control the airplane.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for GAA17CA370 for the full record.