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Aircraft Stall After Dust Devil Encounter and Evasive Maneuver (N8475C)

Cut Bank, MT, US

On July 10, 2001, a Piper PA-28R (registration N8475C) was involved in an aviation accident near Cut Bank, MT. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain a speed above stall velocity (Vs) during the after-takeoff climb. Factors include a high density altitude, and a dust devil/whirlwind located along the route of departure. 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 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

During climb in high density altitude, a dust devil altered the aircraft's attitude. The pilot recovered but faced a hill, raised the nose, lost airspeed, and stalled into terrain.

Incident Summary

During the after-takeoff climb in high density altitude conditions, the aircraft encountered a dust devil or whirlwind. The encounter altered the aircraft's attitude and heading. The pilot was able to recover from this upset, but the aircraft was then headed toward the knoll of a small hill.

Sequence of Events

After recovering from the upset, the pilot raised the nose of the aircraft in an attempt to clear the knoll. However, in doing so, the airspeed deteriorated. The aircraft subsequently stalled or mushed into the terrain.

No further details about the aircraft type, registration, operator, location, date, time of day, or occupants were provided in the source. The extent of any injuries or damage was not specified.

Controlled flight into terrain

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 10 Jul 2001 Piper PA-28R accident near Cut Bank, MT?

During climb in high density altitude, a dust devil altered the aircraft's attitude. The pilot recovered but faced a hill, raised the nose, lost airspeed, and stalled into terrain.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 10 Jul 2001 involved a Piper PA-28R, registration N8475C, at Cut Bank, MT.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's failure to maintain a speed above stall velocity (Vs) during the after-takeoff climb. Factors include a high density altitude, and a dust devil/whirlwind located along the route of departure.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20010718X01453. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.