FlightFinder
Check my flight
Casualties unknown

Left Wing Tip Strikes Ground During Takeoff from Runway 17 (N460CT)

Leesburg, VA, US

On May 30, 2006, a Flight Design GMBH (registration N460CT) operated by John Calla was involved in an aviation accident near Leesburg, VA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's improper remedial action to regain directional control after takeoff. A factor was the pilot's failure to maintain directional control after takeoff. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

During takeoff from runway 17, the pilot reported a right drift followed by left control inputs that caused the left wing to dip. Despite corrective inputs, the left wing tip struck the ground, and the airplane came to rest at a 30-degree angle to the runway. No mechanical anomalies were reported.

Event Details

According to the pilot's report, shortly after beginning takeoff, the airplane began to drift to the right. To correct the drift, the pilot applied left inputs on both the control stick and the rudder. In response, the left wing "dipped." The pilot then moved the control stick and rudder to the right, but the left wing tip struck the ground. The airplane subsequently came to rest at an approximately 30-degree angle relative to the runway.

Pilot's Account

The pilot stated that the takeoff was conducted from runway 17, which was consistent with landing and departing traffic at the time. The winds were reported as from 340 degrees true at 5 knots. The pilot did not report any mechanical anomalies with the airplane.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 30 May 2006 Flight Design GMBH accident near Leesburg, VA?

During takeoff from runway 17, the pilot reported a right drift followed by left control inputs that caused the left wing to dip. Despite corrective inputs, the left wing tip struck the ground, and the airplane came to rest at a 30-degree angle to the runway. No mechanical anomalies were reported.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 30 May 2006 involved a Flight Design GMBH, registration N460CT, operated by John Calla, at Leesburg, VA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's improper remedial action to regain directional control after takeoff. A factor was the pilot's failure to maintain directional control after takeoff.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20060706X00880. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.