Flight Design CTLS
Monument Valley, UT — October 17, 2019
Event Information
| Date | October 17, 2019 |
| Event Type | ACC |
| NTSB Number | GAA20CA032 |
| Event ID | 20191017X61153 |
| Location | Monument Valley, UT |
| Country | USA |
| Coordinates | 37.01667, -110.20055 |
| Airport | Monument Valley |
| Highest Injury | MINR |
Aircraft
| Make | Flight Design |
| Model | CTLS |
| Category | AIR |
| FAR Part | 091 |
| Aircraft Damage | SUBS |
Conditions
| Light Condition | DAYL |
| Weather | VMC |
Injuries
| Fatal | 0 |
| Serious | 0 |
| Minor | 2 |
| None | 0 |
| Total Injured | 2 |
Event Location
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.
Full Narrative
The sport pilot reported that during takeoff with a quartering tailwind of 10 knots, gusting up to 20 knots, as soon as the wheels left the pavement, the tail was pushed to the left. He straightened the tail and maintained wings level; however, the airplane was drifting to the left. The pilot reported that due to the tailwind and high altitude, he was getting very little lift. The airplane subsequently contacted sandy terrain on the left side of the runway.
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the right wing and fuselage.
The pilot reported that there were no mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
About This NTSB Record
This aviation event was investigated by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). NTSB investigates all U.S. civil aviation accidents to determine probable cause and issue safety recommendations to prevent future accidents.