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Sport Pilot Encounters Tailwind During Takeoff, Drifts Left and Strikes Terrain

Monument Valley, UT, United States

On October 17, 2019, a Flight Design CTLS Undesignat was involved in an aviation accident near Monument Valley, UT. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain lateral control and to attain adequate altitude during takeoff with a quartering tailwind in gusting wind conditions, which resulted in impact with a sandy berm left of 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

During takeoff with a quartering tailwind gusting to 20 knots, a sport pilot lost lift and drifted left, resulting in contact with sandy terrain and substantial damage to the right wing and fuselage.

Accident Details

A sport pilot reported that during takeoff, the airplane was subjected to a quartering tailwind of 10 knots, gusting up to 20 knots. As soon as the wheels left the pavement, the tail was pushed to the left. The pilot straightened the tail and maintained wings level; however, the airplane continued to drift to the left.

Contributing Factors

The pilot reported that due to the tailwind and high altitude, the airplane was generating very little lift. Subsequently, the airplane contacted sandy terrain on the left side of the runway.

Damage and Mechanical Condition

The airplane sustained substantial damage to the right wing and fuselage. The pilot reported that there were no mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

Contributing factors

PilotLateral/bank control — Not attained/maintainedAltitude — Not attained/maintainedEffect on operation

Related events

Same aircraft family

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 17 Oct 2019 Flight Design CTLS Undesignat accident near Monument Valley, UT?

During takeoff with a quartering tailwind gusting to 20 knots, a sport pilot lost lift and drifted left, resulting in contact with sandy terrain and substantial damage to the right wing and fuselage.

Were there any fatalities in the 17 Oct 2019 Flight Design CTLS Undesignat accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 17 Oct 2019 involved a Flight Design CTLS Undesignat, at Monument Valley, UT.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's failure to maintain lateral control and to attain adequate altitude during takeoff with a quartering tailwind in gusting wind conditions, which resulted in impact with a sandy berm left of the runway.

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