On 14 Jun 2014, a FLIGHT DESIGN GMBH CTSW was involved in an aviation accident near Milton, FL. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain the proper approach path, and his delayed remedial action, which resulted in a runway undershoot and collision with terrain prior to the runway. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 12 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
A pilot reported encountering a downdraft on final approach, leading to an impact short of the runway. The aircraft nosed over and came to rest inverted, with substantial damage to the engine mounts and right wing root.
Flight Details
According to the pilot's written statement, the approach was a straight-in landing at the destination airport. During final approach, the pilot applied right crosswind correction due to prevailing winds. The pilot reported encountering a downdraft and picking up a descent rate.
Accident Sequence
The pilot applied power in response to the increased descent rate, but the aircraft impacted short of the runway. The nose landing gear separated upon impact, and the airplane nosed over before coming to rest inverted.
Damage
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the engine mounts and the right wing root and spar. The pilot reported no pre-impact mechanical malfunctions or anomalies that would have precluded normal operation.
Contributing factors
Descent/approach/glide path — Not attained/maintainedPilot