What happened
The accident occurred during a local solo instructional flight. The aircraft had just entered the flare phase for landing when it suddenly drifted to the right of the runway. In response, the pilot applied full power and retracted 10 degrees of flaps. At this moment, the airplane yawed violently to the left and slammed to the ground.
A pilot who landed just prior to the accident aircraft stated that a dust devil was seen in the local area.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the immediate sequence of events during the landing flare. The pilot's actions included applying full power and retracting flaps, which coincided with the violent yaw. No mechanical failure was reported prior to the event.
Findings
The primary factor contributing to the accident was the encounter with a dust devil. The sudden drift and subsequent violent yaw suggest a rapid change in wind conditions consistent with microburst or dust devil activity. The pilot's reaction, while immediate, occurred during a critical phase of flight where control authority is limited.