Probable cause
The pilot’s loss of control after encountering a dust devil during takeoff.
NTSB analysis
The pilot of the tailwheel-equipped airplane reported that the winds at the airport were light and variable each of the three times he checked before takeoff. He performed a three-point takeoff, and as soon as he applied back pressure to the yoke, he observed a dust devil to the right and in front of the airplane. The airplane rolled aggressively left and he applied corrective control inputs as the airplane drifted to the left side of the runway. The main gear impacted vegetation, the airplane rolled, and came to rest inverted. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the wings and fuselage.
The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. A review of the Federal Aviation Administration Aviation (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 WPR23LA233 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jun 16, 2023
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Elko, Nevada
- Nearest airport
- Elko Regional Airport (EKO)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Cessna 170B
- N-number
- N8223A
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1952
- 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.