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CEN24LA352

2024-09-11 · Clarksdale, Mississippi, United States · None · 1 aircraft · Status: Completed

Airport CKM

Current FAA registration · N91ZS

Make / Model
JUST AIRCRAFT LLC HIGHLANDER
Year of manufacture
2017 · 7 years old at event
Engine
ROTAX 912ULS SERIES (100 hp)
Seats / Engines
2 seats · 1 engine
Last airworthiness date
20180202
ADS-B equipped
Yes — Mode-S AC96A2

Source: FAA Aircraft Registry (releasable master file).

Aircraft involved

Probable cause & findings

The pilot’s failure to maintain control during takeoff in gusting crosswind conditions.

Factual narrative

The pilot reported that there was a large weather system in the area which resulted in gusting wind conditions. During takeoff roll in the tailwheel airplane, the tail lifted off the runway and the airplane accelerated. Before the airplane reached takeoff speed, the airplane yawed 30° left due to a gust of wind. The pilot stated that he remained in control of the airplane and continued the takeoff as he climbed to 6 to 8 ft above the ground. The wind gust ceased, and the airplane descended into a cotton field where it sustained substantial damage to the fuselage, empennage and right wing. The pilot stated that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or anomalies with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. At the time of the accident the airplane was taking off on runway 18 with winds 090o at 15 kts with gusts to 20 kts. Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database Retrieved: 2026-02-12

NTSB Findings

FAA avdata. C = Cause, F = Factor.

  • — Aircraft-Aircraft oper/perf/capability-Performance/control parameters-(general)-Not attained/maintained
  • — Environmental issues-Conditions/weather/phenomena-Wind-Gusts-Contributed to outcome
  • — Environmental issues-Conditions/weather/phenomena-Wind-Gusts-Effect on equipment

Verbatim from NTSB's published report. Source file NTSB_2024_CEN24LA352.txt. Findings + structured fields enriched from FAA avall.mdb. Full investigation docket on data.ntsb.gov ↗.

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