RONALD J BENDER BAKING DUCE
Willcox, AZ — April 1, 2017
Event Information
| Date | April 1, 2017 |
| Event Type | ACC |
| NTSB Number | GAA17CA214 |
| Event ID | 20170403X20541 |
| Location | Willcox, AZ |
| Country | USA |
| Coordinates | 32.24445, -109.89555 |
| Airport | COCHISE COUNTY |
| Highest Injury | MINR |
Aircraft
| Make | RONALD J BENDER |
| Model | BAKING DUCE |
| Category | AIR |
| FAR Part | 091 |
| Aircraft Damage | SUBS |
Conditions
| Light Condition | DAYL |
| Weather | VMC |
Injuries
| Fatal | 0 |
| Serious | 0 |
| Minor | 1 |
| None | 0 |
| Total Injured | 1 |
Event Location
Probable Cause
The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control of the airplane during the landing roll after encountering a dirt devil.
Full Narrative
The pilot of the tailwheel-equipped airplane reported that during the landing roll as he pulled the power to idle and lowered the tail, he raised the flaps and the airplane encountered a "sudden and strong wind" that caused the airplane to weather-vane. Subsequently, the airplane veered off the right side of the runway, the main landing gear collapsed, and the airplane came to rest nose down.
The airplane sustained substantial damage to both right and left wings and both lift struts.
The pilot reported that there were no pre-accident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
About This NTSB Record
This aviation event was investigated by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). NTSB investigates all U.S. civil aviation accidents to determine probable cause and issue safety recommendations to prevent future accidents.