On July 4, 1985, a Cessna 172L (registration N4349Q) was involved in an aviation accident near Lordsburg, NM. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Encounter with a dust devil while taxiing, which resulted in the aircraft being flipped over. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
An aircraft encountered a dust devil while taxiing to the ramp after a routine landing, resulting in the plane being flipped onto its back.
What happened
The pilot reported encountering moderate turbulence during the en route phase of flight, which caused his passengers to become airsick. Deciding to land at the nearest suitable airport, he executed a landing without incident. However, while taxiing toward the ramp, the aircraft was struck by what a witness described as a whirlwind or dust devil. The force of this phenomenon flipped the aircraft over onto its back.
Findings
The primary factor in this accident was the encounter with a localized wind event during ground operations. The pilot had successfully managed the flight phase involving turbulence and completed the landing safely, but the subsequent taxiing maneuver placed the aircraft in the path of the dust devil.
Probable cause
Encounter with a dust devil while taxiing, which resulted in the aircraft being flipped over.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 4 Jul 1985 Cessna 172L accident near Lordsburg, NM?
An aircraft encountered a dust devil while taxiing to the ramp after a routine landing, resulting in the plane being flipped onto its back.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 4 Jul 1985 involved a Cessna 172L, registration N4349Q, at Lordsburg, NM.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
Encounter with a dust devil while taxiing, which resulted in the aircraft being flipped over.
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