Pilot Debrief

FLIGHT DESIGN GMBH CTSW near Taos, NM — 2013-07-10

Final reportCEN13LA409
Sign in to save
Date
2013-07-10
Location
Taos, NM, USA
Airport
SKX
Aircraft
FLIGHT DESIGN GMBH CTSW
Registration
N424CT
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Fatal
Fatalities
1
Phase of flight
Approach

Probable cause

The airplane's unexpected encounter with a dust devil, which resulted in the loss of airplane control.

NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that, while in the airport traffic pattern, the airplane encountered very light turbulence. During short final approach and when the airplane was about 80 ft above ground level, the airplane suddenly encountered extreme turbulence, which the pilot described as far more violent than he had ever experienced. The airplane dropped vertically about 10 ft, suddenly entered a nose-up attitude, rolled right, and then struck the ground in a mostly nose-down attitude. Meteorological information indicated that, about the time of the accident, the atmosphere near the airport was unstable with variable light wind, warm dry air, and strong solar heating conditions, all of which are conducive to thermal activity and dust devil development. Further, several witnesses reported seeing dust devils and swirling wind in the area about the time of the accident. The pilot's report of extreme turbulence and his sudden loss of airplane control are consistent with the airplane's unexpected encounter with a dust devil.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Environmental
First missed decision gate
Pilot and instructor failed to recognize dust devils on approach.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • FDR / data
  • Photos
  • 12 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents12

Related mishaps