Pilot Debrief

CESSNA 140A near Santa Teresa, NM — 2023-05-29

Final reportWPR23LA206
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Date
2023-05-29
Location
Santa Teresa, NM, USA
Airport
DNA
Aircraft
CESSNA 140A
Registration
N1126D
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The pilot’s loss of control after encountering a dust devil during landing.

NTSB narrative

The pilot of the tailwheel equipped airplane reported winds at the airport were 6 gusting to 13 knots, 30 degrees from runway heading during the approach to landing. Upon touchdown, the airplane began to bounce, and she felt a strong crosswind pushing her to the right. She elected to initiate a go-around, however, the right wing lifted, and the left wing impacted the ground. The left main landing gear collapsed, and the airplane ground looped. The left wing and aileron sustained substantial damage. The pilot reported there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. The pilot stated the airport experiences dust devils frequently and often they are not visible. A review of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Weather Handbook (FAA-H-8083-28) and the FAA Aeronautical Information Manual found no detailed information listed about dust devils or the potential hazards of flying through dust devils.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • Photos
  • 3 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents3

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