Flight Design Gmbh CTLS N454CT accident near Kayenta, Arizona

Probable cause

The pilots’ failure to maintain airplane control during takeoff in gusting crosswind conditions, which resulted in a runway excursion.

NTSB analysis

The right-seated pilot stated that both he and the left-seated pilot were flying for the purpose of building their total airplane hours. After departing, they maneuvered for about an hour and opted to land at a local airport and eat lunch. Despite waiting for a while for the wind to become calmer, they departed in gusting crosswind conditions. The right-seated pilot was flying the airplane and after reaching about 10 ft above ground level (agl), the wind suddenly changed directions, and they were unable to maintain airplane control. The left-seated pilot asked for control of the airplane then attempted to touch back down on the runway, but the airplane’s wheels contacted vegetation adjacent to the runway. The nose gear collapsed, and the airplane flipped over, coming to rest inverted. The airplane incurred substantial damage to the fuselage during the accident sequence.

The pilots reported no pre-impact mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR25LA187 for the full record.