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October 17, 2025 · Flight Design Gmbh CTSW NO Series · N531CT

Casa Grande, AZ

Overview

Report Status
Factual report
Event Type
Accident
Date
October 17, 2025
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 minor injury)
Location
Casa Grande, AZ
Aircraft
Flight Design Gmbh CTSW NO Series (2006)
Tail Number
N531CT
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
WPR26LA022

On October 17, 2025, about 13:20 mountain standard time, a Flight Design GMBH CTSW, N531CT, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Casa Grande, Arizona. The pilot received minor injuries. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight. The pilot reported that he sumped the fuel and found no water or contaminants, then verified 12 gallons of fuel on board by viewing the fuel sight tubes at the root of the overhead wings. The engine runup, departure and climb were uneventful. About 25 minutes into the flight the engine speed slowed unexpectedly and advancing the throttle did not change the engine speed. About 15 seconds later the engine lost total power. The pilot attempted three restarts. During the first restart, the engine started and ran normally for about 5 to 10 seconds then lost total power. During the second restart, the engine ran with partial power for about 5 to 10 seconds followed by a total loss of power. The engine did not start on the third attempt. The pilot maneuvered toward the destination airport and transmitted a mayday call over the radio. The pilot realized that there was insufficient altitude to reach the airport and performed an off-airport landing on desert scrub. Upon touchdown the airplane nosed-over which substantially damaged the fuselage and rudder assembly. The pilot exited the airplane unassisted. The airplane was recovered to a secure facility for further examination.

Full Narrative

On October 17, 2025, about 13:20 mountain standard time, a Flight Design GMBH CTSW, N531CT, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Casa Grande, Arizona. The pilot received minor injuries. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91personal flight. The pilot reported that he sumped the fuel and found no water or contaminants, then verified 12 gallons of fuel on board by viewing the fuel sight tubes at the root of the overhead wings. The engine runup, departure and climb were uneventful. About 25 minutes into the flight the engine speed slowed unexpectedly and advancing the throttle did not change the engine speed. About 15 seconds later the engine lost total power. The pilot attempted three restarts. During the first restart, the engine started and ran normally for about 5 to 10 seconds then lost total power. During the second restart, the engine ran with partial power for about 5 to 10 seconds followed by a total loss of power. The engine did not start on the third attempt. The pilot maneuvered toward the destination airport and transmitted a mayday call over the radio. The pilot realized that there was insufficient altitude to reach the airport and performed an off-airport landing on desert scrub. Upon touchdown the airplane nosed-over which substantially damaged the fuselage and rudder assembly. The pilot exited the airplane unassisted. The airplane was recovered to a secure facility for further examination.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time13:20 MST
Nearest AirportCasa Grande Municipal (1nm N)
Runway5
Runway Length5200 ft
Runway Width100 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftFlight Design Gmbh CTSW NO Series
Tail NumberN531CT
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury Summary1 injury (1 minor injury)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor1
Uninjured0
Total1

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind290° @ 7 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point45 F
Altimeter29.91 inHg
Observation Time12:56
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data