Pilot Debrief

RONALD J BENDER BAKING DUCE near Willcox, AZ — 2017-04-01

Final reportGAA17CA214
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Date
2017-04-01
Location
Willcox, AZ, USA
Airport
P33
Aircraft
RONALD J BENDER BAKING DUCE
Registration
N9898R
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Minor
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control of the airplane during the landing roll after encountering a dirt devil.

NTSB narrative

The pilot of the tailwheel-equipped airplane reported that, during the landing roll and as he pulled the power to idle and lowered the tail, he raised the flaps and that the airplane then encountered a "sudden and strong wind" that caused it to weather-vane. Subsequently, the airplane veered off the right side of the runway, the main landing gear collapsed, and the airplane came to rest nose down. The airplane sustained substantial damage to both right and left wings and both lift struts. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents2

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