The Airplane Suddenly Yawed To The Right And Came Back Down To The Runway

Location: Marion, NC Accident Number: ERA21LA073
Date & Time: December 13, 2020, 10:45 Local Registration: N138CT
Aircraft: Flight Design CTSW Injuries: 2 Minor
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Personal

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 pilot and the 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 about 46 knots, the airplane suddenly yawed to the right and came back down to 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 wheel collapsed and the airplane nosed over.

Inspectors with the Federal Aviation Administration responded to the accident site and examined the wreckage. The nose gear was collapsed and crushed into the lower fuselage. The vertical stabilizer and rudder were structurally damaged.

The wreckage was recovered and retained for further examination.

FMI: www.ntsb.gov