NTSB CAROL · Event
Event CEN20CA404
Registry · N55JV
FAA Aircraft Registry record.
Make / Model
CUBCRAFTERS INC CC11-160
Engine
TITAN OX-340CC (180 hp)
Seats / Engines
2 seats · 1 engine
Last airworthiness date
20151106
ADS-B equipped
Yes — Mode-S A6FDEE
Registrant of record
KEHLER KELLY
Source: FAA Aircraft Registry (releasable master file).
Aircraft involved
Probable cause & findings
The pilot’s failure to maintain control of the airplane while taking off in gusting quartering tailwind conditions.
Factual narrative
The pilot reported that while taking off from a downhill sloped meadow, the airplane encountered a strong quartering tailwind gust, which stopped the airplane from climbing. The airplane subsequently sank, and the left wing struck the ground. The airplane’s left wing and fuselage sustained substantial damage. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions that would have precluded normal operation. The pilot reported that the accident could have been prevented if he had selected a better takeoff site with more options in case of unexpected adverse conditions. Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database Retrieved: 2026-02-12
NTSB Findings
Hierarchical cause / factor breakdown from the FAA bulk avdata database. Each finding tagged C (Cause) or F (Factor).
- — Aircraft-Aircraft oper/perf/capability-Performance/control parameters-Directional control-Not attained/maintained
- — Environmental issues-Conditions/weather/phenomena-Wind-Tailwind-Effect on operation
- — Personnel issues-Task performance-Use of equip/info-Aircraft control-Pilot
Verbatim from NTSB's published report. Source file
NTSB_2020_CEN20CA404.txt.
Findings + structured fields enriched from FAA avall.mdb.
Full investigation docket on
data.ntsb.gov ↗.
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