Probable cause
The pilot’s loss of control after encountering a dust devil during landing.
NTSB analysis
The pilot of the tailwheel equipped airplane reported winds at the airport were 6 gusting to 13 knots, 30 degrees from runway heading during the approach to landing. Upon touchdown, the airplane began to bounce, and she felt a strong crosswind pushing her to the right. She elected to initiate a go-around, however, the right wing lifted, and the left wing impacted the ground. The left main landing gear collapsed, and the airplane ground looped. The left wing and aileron sustained substantial damage. The pilot reported there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
The pilot stated the airport experiences dust devils frequently and often they are not visible. A review of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Weather Handbook (FAA-H-8083-28) and the FAA Aeronautical Information Manual found no detailed information listed about dust devils or the potential hazards of flying through dust devils.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR23LA206 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- May 29, 2023
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Santa Teresa, New Mexico
- Nearest airport
- Dona Ana County International (DNA)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Cessna 140A
- N-number
- N1126D
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1951
- 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.