No fatalities

5 May 2019: Flight Design CTLS — Sandy Valley, NV

Sandy Valley, NV, United States

On 5 May 2019, a Flight Design CTLS Undesignat was involved in an aviation accident near Sandy Valley, NV. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's steep bank turn at low altitude, which resulted in a rapid descent and hard landing. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 12 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

SourcesNTSBPrimary reportUpdated 1778583330Data APIEditorial standards

During a biennial flight review, a pilot simulating an engine failure overshot a dirt runway, experienced a hard landing, and the left main landing gear separated, causing substantial fuselage damage.

Accident Details

A pilot and a flight instructor were conducting a biennial flight review. The instructor briefed the pilot to expect a simulated engine failure during takeoff and an engine-out approach to a perpendicular runway. The pilot departed runway 21 and, at about 400 feet above ground level, reduced power and turned left toward dirt runway 12. The pilot overshot the dirt runway, banked to 40°, and reported feeling a "strong sink." The pilot then leveled the wings and added full power at approximately 150 to 200 feet, but the airplane continued to descend. The instructor stated that he considered taking the flight controls but allowed the pilot to maintain control.

The airplane landed hard. During the landing, the right main landing gear struck a "rabbit hole," causing the airplane to veer right. The left main landing gear separated from the airplane.

Aircraft Damage

The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage. The pilot reported no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions that would have precluded normal operation.

Weather Conditions

The automated weather observation station located about 26 miles east of the accident site reported that, about 4 minutes before the accident, the wind was from 220° at 10 knots, temperature 72°F, dew point 34°F, and altimeter setting 29.79" Hg. The pilot reported that the wind was variable at 5 to 15 knots, gusting to greater than 15 knots, and temperature 80°F. The pilot added that there was severe windshear. Later in the day, the assistant airport manager reported observing a dust devil over the accident site.

Contributing factors

Incorrect use/operationPilot