What happened
On October 17, 2025, at approximately 13:20 mountain standard time, a Flight Design GMBH CTSW, registration N531CT, was involved in an accident near Casa Grande, Arizona. The aircraft was being operated under 14 CFR Part 91 for personal flight.
Prior to departure, the pilot performed a fuel sump check and found no water or contaminants. The pilot also verified 12 gallons of fuel were on board via the wing root sight tubes. The initial engine runup, takeoff, and climb phases were completed without incident.
Approximately 25 minutes into the flight, the engine speed decreased unexpectedly. Advancing the throttle failed to restore engine speed, and the engine suffered a total loss of power roughly 15 seconds later. The pilot attempted three engine restarts:
- The first attempt resulted in the engine running normally for 5 to 10 seconds before losing power again.
- The second attempt resulted in the engine running with partial power for 5 to 10 seconds before losing power again.
- The third attempt was unsuccessful.
After transmitting a mayday call, the pilot determined there was insufficient altitude to reach the destination airport and executed an off-airport landing into desert scrub. Upon touchdown, the aircraft nosed-over, resulting in substantial damage to the rudder assembly and fuselage. The pilot sustained 1 minor injury and was able to exit the aircraft without assistance.