Safety
NTSB Cautions of Hidden Dangers of Dust Devils
Safety Board cited 170 accidents involving dust devils
Dust devil (Photo: NOAA)
Dust devils can be as strong as tornadoes or waterspouts, the NTSB warns. © NOAA

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is cautioning on the dangers of dust devils, saying they have been present in more than 170 aircraft accidents it has investigated since 1982.

Noting that dust whirlwinds are often considered a harmless phenomenon, the Safety Board highlighted their hazards to aviation, detailing related accidents involving small fixed-wing aircraft and rotorcraft.

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