Flight Design CTLS N771TX accident near Monument Valley, Utah

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain lateral control and to attain adequate altitude during takeoff with a quartering tailwind in gusting wind conditions, which resulted in impact with a sandy berm left of the runway.

NTSB analysis

The pilot reported that, during takeoff with a quartering tailwind of 10 knots, gusting to 20 knots, and as soon as the wheels lifted off, the airplane's tail was pushed to the left. He straightened the tail and maintained wings-level flight; however, the airplane continued drifting left. The pilot reported that, due to the tailwind and high altitude, the airplane was getting very little lift. The airplane subsequently impacted a sandy berm off the left side of the runway. 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.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for GAA20CA032 for the full record.