Which condition would NOT lead to the removal of an aircraft from the national registry?

The correct answer is associated with the sale of an aircraft to a foreign owner. In many jurisdictions, including under regulations that govern aircraft registries, the transfer of ownership to a foreign entity does not automatically necessitate the removal of the aircraft from the national registry. Instead, it often requires updating the registration to reflect the new ownership.

In contrast, if an owner loses their nationality, the aircraft may no longer comply with the requirements for registration. Similarly, if the aircraft is completely destroyed, it would cease to exist as an entity that can be registered. Lastly, an expired Certificate of Airworthiness for two consecutive years indicates that the aircraft does not meet safety standards, which typically leads to its removal from the registry.

Therefore, while all the other conditions specified are grounds for removal from the national registry, the sale of an aircraft to a foreign owner does not trigger an automatic removal as long as the registration requirements can continue to be met.