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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

NTSB Reports is an independent research and search tool for public aviation accident and incident records. It brings NTSB aviation reports, structured fields, docket files, extracted figures, photos, videos, and update history into one searchable interface.

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December 13, 2020 · Flight Design CTSW · N138CT

Marion, NC

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
December 13, 2020
Injury Outcomes
2 injuries (2 minor injuries)
Location
Marion, NC
Aircraft
Flight Design CTSW (2007)
Tail Number
N138CT
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ERA21LA073

The pilot and passenger were departing for a cross-country flight in calm wind conditions. Shortly after liftoff, at an airspeed of about 46 knots, the airplane suddenly yawed to the right and came back down on the runway. The pilot elected to reject the takeoff. The airplane continued to veer to the right, and the airplane departed the runway and entered an area of soft terrain. The nose landing gear collapsed, and the airplane nosed over, resulting in substantial damage to the airframe. Following the accident, the pilot thought that the rudder had malfunctioned. However, examination of the flight controls revealed no evidence of a preaccident malfunction or anomaly. Thus, the pilot likely did not maintain yaw control of the airplane during the takeoff.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot’s failure to maintain airplane control during takeoff, resulting in a rejected takeoff and runway excursion.

Full Narrative

On December 13, 2020, about 1045 eastern standard time, a Flight Design CTSW, N138CT, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Marion, North Carolina. The airline transport pilot and one passenger sustained minor injuries. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight. The pilot reported that all preflight operations were routine for the cross-country flight to Frankfort, Kentucky. Shortly after liftoff at an airspeed of about 46 knots, the airplane suddenly yawed to the right and came back down on the runway. The pilot elected to reject the takeoff, but the airplane continued to veer to the right. The airplane then departed the runway and entered an area of soft terrain. The nosewheel collapsed, and the airplane nosed over. The pilot also reported that the takeoff gross weight was 1,310 pounds, which was 10 pounds below maximum gross weight for the airplane. He also reported that “something failed in the rudder.” Postaccident examination of the airplane found that the nose gear had collapsed and was crushed into the lower fuselage. The vertical stabilizer and rudder were structurally damaged. Flight control continuity was established from the rudder to the cockpit rudder pedals. The pedals were jammed and would not move. Further examination revealed that the collapsed nose gear bent the rod between the rudder pedal assembly and the nose gear steering linkage. Otherwise, the rudder was free and clear with full travel available. Flight control continuity was also confirmed from the elevator and ailerons to the cockpit controls.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time10:45 EST
Nearest AirportShiflet Field (0nm)
Runway10
Runway Length3340 ft
Runway Width180 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftFlight Design CTSW
Tail NumberN138CT
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsRotax · 912ULS2 · Reciprocating · 100
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury Summary2 injuries (2 minor injuries)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor2
Uninjured0
Total2
Crew 1Age 46 · First Class · Minor

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
WindCalm
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point57 F / 52 F
Altimeter30.12 inHg
Observation Time10:55
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data