Summary
On August 04, 2008, a Collard Dragonfly (N793TW) was involved in an accident near Big Sping, TX. The accident resulted in 1 serious injury. The aircraft sustained substantial damage.
The National Transportation Safety Board determined the probable cause of this accident to be: Loss of aircraft control due to inadvertent penetration of a dust devil.
The private pilot reported departing the airport in "challenging wind and [thermal] conditions." An automated weather reporting facility on the airport reported winds 50 degrees from runway heading at 11 knots gusting to 19 knots. After six successful touch-and-gos, the pilot entered the traffic pattern for a seventh approach. While turning base to final the pilot experienced a loss of aircraft control and impacted terrain. The pilot reported that dust devils were "prevalent in the area at that time."
This accident is documented in NTSB report DFW08CA203. AviatorDB cross-references NTSB investigation data with FAA registry records to provide comprehensive safety information for aircraft N793TW.
Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
Loss of aircraft control due to inadvertent penetration of a dust devil.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Current)
Analysis
The private pilot reported departing the airport in "challenging wind and [thermal] conditions." An automated weather reporting facility on the airport reported winds 50 degrees from runway heading at 11 knots gusting to 19 knots. After six successful touch-and-gos, the pilot entered the traffic pattern for a seventh approach. While turning base to final the pilot experienced a loss of aircraft control and impacted terrain. The pilot reported that dust devils were "prevalent in the area at that time."
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# DFW08CA203