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Aircraft Crashes During Takeoff After Encountering Dust Devil (N738LR)

Grant, NM, US

On April 10, 1985, a Cessna 172 (registration N738LR) was involved in an aviation accident near Grant, NM. No fatalities were reported. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 1 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

An aircraft crashed during takeoff from a dirt strip near Grant, New Mexico, after a dust devil was encountered at 35-50 feet AGL. No injuries were reported among the pilot and three occupants.

Incident Overview

An aircraft on a pleasure flight crashed during takeoff from a dirt airstrip near Grant, New Mexico. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident, and no flight plan had been filed. The pilot and three occupants were not injured.

Pilot Report

According to the pilot, a dust devil caught the aircraft at an altitude of 35-50 feet above ground level (AGL) and caused the aircraft to crash into the ground. The pilot reported no mechanical problems with the aircraft.

Environmental Conditions

The field elevation is approximately 6,800 feet. The temperature was around 65-75 degrees Fahrenheit, resulting in a density altitude of about 8,700 feet.

Weather

Related events

Same aircraft family

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Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 10 Apr 1985 Cessna 172 accident near Grant, NM?

An aircraft crashed during takeoff from a dirt strip near Grant, New Mexico, after a dust devil was encountered at 35-50 feet AGL. No injuries were reported among the pilot and three occupants.

Were there any fatalities in the 10 Apr 1985 Cessna 172 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 10 Apr 1985 involved a Cessna 172, registration N738LR, at Grant, NM.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001214X36160. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.