Flight Design Gmbh CTSW N424CT accident near Taos, New Mexico

Probable cause

The airplane's unexpected encounter with a dust devil, which resulted in the loss of airplane control.

NTSB analysis

The pilot reported that, while in the airport traffic pattern, the airplane encountered very light turbulence. During short final approach and when the airplane was about 80 ft above ground level, the airplane suddenly encountered extreme turbulence, which the pilot described as far more violent than he had ever experienced. The airplane dropped vertically about 10 ft, suddenly entered a nose-up attitude, rolled right, and then struck the ground in a mostly nose-down attitude.

Meteorological information indicated that, about the time of the accident, the atmosphere near the airport was unstable with variable light wind, warm dry air, and strong solar heating conditions, all of which are conducive to thermal activity and dust devil development. Further, several witnesses reported seeing dust devils and swirling wind in the area about the time of the accident. The pilot's report of extreme turbulence and his sudden loss of airplane control are consistent with the airplane's unexpected encounter with a dust devil.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN13LA409 for the full record.