NTSB Issues Alert on the Hazards of Dust Devils for Pilots

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has released a safety alert this week, cautioning pilots about the potential dangers dust devils pose to aviation. This alert follows the NTSB’s investigation into approximately 170 aviation accidents since 1982, where dust devils played a role. These seemingly innocuous whirlwinds, which become visible as they lift dust and debris off the ground, can pose significant risks to aircraft, particularly small ones operating at low altitudes.

Dust devils, while often seen as harmless weather phenomena, can cause severe and unpredictable turbulence. This can lead to a sudden loss of lift, uncommanded aircraft maneuvers, or other disturbances that challenge pilot control. The NTSB’s alert highlights the risk, pointing out that dust devils can be especially hazardous because they are frequently invisible to pilots.

One incident cited by the NTSB involved a Cessna 170B during takeoff in Elko, Nevada. The aircraft encountered a dust devil, leading to an aggressive left roll and the plane ultimately inverting, causing substantial damage to its wings and fuselage.

To mitigate the risks associated with dust devils, the NTSB advises pilots, especially those flying in regions prone to these phenomena like the American Southwest, to take preemptive steps for identification and avoidance. Recommendations include maintaining a higher altitude when possible and securing detailed preflight weather briefings. Furthermore, pilots who encounter dust devils during flight are encouraged to report these encounters to air traffic control (ATC) promptly, contributing to the safety and awareness of the flying community.

Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, avweb.com