N6955E

Substantial
None

CESSNA 175AS/N: 56455

Accident Details

Date
Saturday, April 20, 2013
NTSB Number
CEN13CA234
Location
Albuquerque, NM
Event ID
20130422X53051
Coordinates
35.133609, -106.790000
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
Highest Injury
None
Fatalities
0
Serious Injuries
0
Minor Injuries
0
Uninjured
1
Total Aboard
1

Probable Cause and Findings

The pilot’s inability to maintain airplane control during taxi due to an inadvertent encounter with a dust devil.

Aircraft Information

Registration
Make
CESSNA
Serial Number
56455
Engine Type
Reciprocating
Year Built
1959
Model / ICAO
175AC175
Aircraft Type
Fixed Wing Single Engine
No. of Engines
1
Seats
4
FAA Model
175A

Registered Owner (Current)

Name
GOPALAKRISHNA PRAHLAD MENON
Address
2021 STILLWATER DR
City
GIBSONIA
State / Zip Code
PA 15044-6201
Country
United States

Analysis

The pilot reported that during his arrival to land he was aware of dust devils in the vicinity that were diminishing or moving away and were no factor. The airplane had just landed and was taxiing slowly on a taxiway when the pilot reported that another dust devil suddenly materialized about 300 feet to his left front. He had slowed to a stop by the time the dust devil engulfed the airplane which completely lifted the airplane about 3 feet off the taxiway surface. The airplane then impacted terrain on the right wingtip and propeller resulting in substantial damage to the right wing. The pilot reported that there were no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures.

Data Source

Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# CEN13CA234