On April 3, 1993, a Cessna 177RG (registration N34205) was involved in an aviation accident near Imperial, CA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE FLIGHT'S ENCOUNTER WITH A DUST DEVIL. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
During landing rollout, a dust devil lifted and turned the airplane left. The pilot initiated a takeoff, but the left landing gear struck a parked airplane. The pilot returned and performed a gear-up landing adjacent to the runway. A witness confirmed the dust devil.
Incident Overview
An airplane experienced an unexpected encounter with a dust devil during the landing rollout. The dust devil lifted the airplane and caused it to turn to the left. In response, the pilot applied full engine power and began a takeoff.
Collision with Parked Aircraft
Shortly after becoming airborne, the airplane's left landing gear made contact with the leading edge of a parked airplane. The pilot then returned to the airport and intentionally executed a landing with the landing gear retracted, touching down adjacent to the runway.
Witness and Conditions
A ground witness confirmed the presence of the dust devil at the time of the incident. The phenomenon was observed and acknowledged as having occurred.
What happened in the 3 Apr 1993 Cessna 177RG accident near Imperial, CA?
During landing rollout, a dust devil lifted and turned the airplane left. The pilot initiated a takeoff, but the left landing gear struck a parked airplane. The pilot returned and performed a gear-up landing adjacent to the runway. A witness confirmed the dust devil.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 3 Apr 1993 involved a Cessna 177RG, registration N34205, at Imperial, CA.
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