Edgewood, NM, USA
N41734
Jones Challenger II
The pilot stated that approximately 100 feet above ground level, at the departure end of the runway, the airplane began to yaw to the right. The pilot stated that he added left rudder and aileron; however, the airplane did not respond. The airplane continued to yaw to the right, the nose dropped, and the airplane impacted the ground, resulting in substantial damage. An examination of the airplane flight controls and systems revealed no pre-impact anomalies. The pilot reported that he may have encountered a dust devil. Multiple dust devils were observed in the area within 2 hours of the accident.
According to a telephone conversation with the pilot, he was conducting touch and go landings on runway 27 (4,830 feet by 3 feet, asphalt). He stated that he had conducted two previous touch and go landings without issue or incident. The pilot stated that approximately 100 feet above ground level, at the departure end of the runway, the airplane began to yaw to the right. The pilot stated that he added left rudder and aileron; however, the airplane did not respond. The airplane continued to yaw to the right, the nose dropped, and the airplane impacted the ground. The right wing partially separated at the wing root and the spar was broken. The left horizontal stabilizer and elevator was crushed and bent forward. An examination of the airplane flight controls and systems, conducted by the FAA, revealed no pre-impact anomalies. The pilot reported to the FAA Inspector and the NTSB IIC that he may have encountered a dust devil. The FAA Inspector observed multiple dust devils in the area within 2 hours of the accident. He also report the winds as being relativily calm, despite the dust devil activity. The pilot estimated the winds to be 250 degrees at 5 to 7 knots. Winds in the area were recorded as 290 degrees at 13 knots.
The loss of aircraft control after encountering a dust devil.
Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database
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