Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll.
NTSB analysis
After touching down on the remote rough gravel airstrip, the pilot applied what he described as "hard braking" with the non-differential handbrake, while attempting to maintain directional control with the nose wheel steering. As the pilot continued the landing roll, the airplane began to skid/slip off to the left side of the convex shaped runway crown, and it eventually exited the runway and impacted a large rock pile. After hitting the rock pile, the airplane nosed over onto its back, resulting in damage to the wings, and the rudder separating from its hinges.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR09CA346 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jul 10, 2009
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Sulphur Creek, Idaho
- Nearest airport
- Sulphur Creek Ranch (ID74)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Flight Design Gmbh CTSW
- N-number
- N199CT
- Category
- Airplane
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Personal
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.