Evolution Trikes REVO N145PT accident near Hawthorne, California

Probable cause

The flight instructor’s failure to maintain lateral control of the weight-shift-controlled aircraft during the landing flare.

NTSB analysis

The flight instructor in the weight-shift-controlled aircraft reported that, during a demonstration flight, during the landing flare, he observed the wind sock shift 90°, and he felt a violent wind gust from the left that lifted the left wing. He attempted to lower the left wing, but the right wing impacted the ground, and the aircraft cartwheeled before coming to rest.

The flight instructor reported that, after the accident, an airport worker reported to him that he had been caught in a "dust devil."

The weight-shift-controlled aircraft sustained substantial damage to the left wing.

The flight instructor reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the weight-shift-controlled aircraft that would have precluded normal operation.

The automated weather observation station located on the airport reported that, about 13 minutes after the accident, the wind was from 230° at 8 knots. The weight-shift-controlled aircraft landed on runway 25.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for GAA18CA499 for the full record.