Probable cause
The pilot's loss of directional control during the final approach due to an inadvertent encounter with a dust devil
NTSB analysis
While on final approach, the pilot had the airplane lined up with the runway's extended centerline. The pilot reported that the approach was uneventful until the airplane encountered a dust devil which resulted in the airplane turning 90 degrees to the left. He attempted to turn the airplane back towards the runway but was unsuccessful. The airplane descended and impacted terrain short of the runway. A postaccident examination revealed substantial damage to the fuselage. The pilot reported no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN13CA494 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Aug 18, 2013
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Santa Teresa, New Mexico
- Nearest airport
- Dona Ana County Airport (5T6)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Globe GC-1B
- N-number
- N7BR
- Category
- Airplane
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Personal
From the NTSB aviation accident database: N-registered aircraft, events since 2008, data through Oct 28, 2026. The file is published monthly, so the latest weeks are incomplete and recent records can change. The official source is the NTSB aviation investigation search. CheckAero is independent and not affiliated with the NTSB.