Probable cause
Loss of aircraft control due to inadvertent penetration of a dust devil.
NTSB 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."
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for DFW08CA203 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Aug 4, 2008
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Big Sping, Texas
- Nearest airport
- Big Spring Mc Mahon-Wrinkle (BPG)
- Highest injury
- Serious
- Serious injuries
- 1
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Dragonfly
- N-number
- N793TW
- 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.