Casualties unknown

Tailwheel Airplane Ground-Loops After Encountering Dust Devil During Off-Airport Landing (N4036E)

Boulder, MT, US

On April 10, 1999, a Piper PA-18 (registration N4036E) was involved in an aviation accident near Boulder, MT. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot-in-command's failure to maintain directional control after encountering a dust-devil during landing rollout, resulting in a ground loop and collapse of the main landing gear. Factors include the dust-devil. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-06-10Data APIEditorial standards

A tailwheel airplane sustained substantial damage when it ground-looped after landing on a dirt road. The pilot reported encountering a dust devil, resulting in loss of directional control.

Incident Overview

A tailwheel airplane experienced a ground loop after an off-airport landing, resulting in substantial damage to the aircraft. The pilot was operating the airplane and had landed on a north-south dirt road, approaching from the south.

Pilot Report

According to the pilot, the winds were calm at the time of landing. After touchdown, the airplane rolled into a dust devil, which caused a loss of directional control. The pilot stated that there were no ruts or ditches on the road surface that could have contributed to the loss of control.

Pilot Experience

The pilot reported that all of his flight experience was in tailwheel airplanes. No other details were provided regarding the pilot's total flight time or recent experience.

Aircraft Information

The tailwheel airplane sustained substantial damage during the ground loop. The specific make, model, and registration of the aircraft were not disclosed in the report.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001205X00564. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.