Crash of a Cirrus Vision SF50 in Lansing

Date & Time: Aug 24, 2021 at 1858 LT
Type of aircraft:
Operator:
Registration:
N1GG
Flight Phase:
Flight Type:
Survivors:
Yes
Schedule:
Lansing – Melbourne
MSN:
0202
YOM:
2020
Crew on board:
1
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
3
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
0
Captain / Total flying hours:
2000
Captain / Total hours on type:
600.00
Aircraft flight hours:
293
Circumstances:
The airport tower controller initially assigned the pilot to take off from runway 28L, which presented a 7-knot headwind. Shortly afterward, the controller informed the pilot of “a storm rolling in . . . from west to east,” and offered runway 10R. The pilot accepted the opposite direction runway for departure and added, “we’re ready to go when we get to the end . . . before the storm comes.” About 4 seconds after the airplane began accelerating during takeoff, the controller advised the pilot of a wind shear alert of plus 20 knots (kts) at a 1-mile final for runway 28L, and the pilot acknowledged the alert. In a postaccident statement, the pilot stated that departing with a 7-kt tailwind was within the operating and performance limitations of the airplane. The pilot reported that after a takeoff ground roll of about 4,000 ft “the left rudder didn’t seem to be functioning properly” and he decided to reject the takeoff. However, when he applied full braking, the airplane tended to turn to the right. He used minimal braking consistent with maintaining directional control of the airplane. The airplane ultimately overran the runway, impacted the airport perimeter fence, and encountered a ditch before it came to a rest. A postimpact fire ensued and consumed a majority of the fuselage. All four occupants evacuated safely.
Probable cause:
The pilot’s decision to depart with a tailwind as a thunderstorm approached, which resulted in a loss of airplane performance due to an encounter with a significant tailwind gust and a subsequent runway excursion.
Final Report: