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.
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.