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Pilot Reports Downdraft on Final Approach Leads to Runway Short Landing and Nose-Over

Milton, FL, United States

On June 14, 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.

SourcesNTSBPrimary reportUpdated 2026-08-03Data APIEditorial standards

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

Related events

Same aircraft family

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 14 Jun 2014 FLIGHT DESIGN GMBH CTSW accident near Milton, FL?

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.

Were there any fatalities in the 14 Jun 2014 FLIGHT DESIGN GMBH CTSW accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 14 Jun 2014 involved a FLIGHT DESIGN GMBH CTSW, at Milton, FL.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

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.

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