Casualties unknown

1999-01-21: Cessna 152 (N96640) — Westwind Aviation Academy — Phoenix, AZ

Phoenix, AZ, US

On January 21, 1999, a Cessna 152 (registration N96640) operated by Westwind Aviation Academy was involved in an aviation accident near Phoenix, AZ. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The CFI's loss of airplane control upon encountering a dust devil due to his improper in-flight decision to land in proximity to the observed adverse weather conditions. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 8 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 1781061362Data APIEditorial standards

A certified flight instructor and a 25-hour student pilot completed an instructional lesson with three touch-and-go landings. After landing, a dust devil contacted the airplane, leading to a loss of control and nose over.

Incident Overview

A certified flight instructor (CFI) reported that he was conducting an instructional lesson with a student pilot who had 25 hours of flight experience. The lesson included flying in the local area and performing three touch-and-go landings.

Events Leading to the Incident

While on base leg, the CFI observed a dust devil near the airport. He assessed its proximity to the airplane's planned course and concluded that it was not close enough to warrant aborting the approach and landing. The CFI believed that by hurrying, he could land before the dust devil became a factor.

Landing and Subsequent Contact

The airplane landed without any mishap and the crew turned off the runway. Immediately after, the dust devil contacted the airplane. Control was lost and the airplane nosed over.

Additional Details

The source does not specify the aircraft type, registration, engine count, date, operator, location, occupants, injuries, damage items, time of day, weather characterization, or ATC involvement. No probable cause is stated in the source.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001204X00082. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.