According to a recent report by the National Transportation Safety Board on aviation safety, dust devils have been involved in over 170 accidents investigated since 1982. These swirling whirlwinds of dust and debris may seem harmless, but their spiraling updrafts can wreak havoc on aircraft and skydivers alike. Imagine this scenario: as you descend for landing, a dust devil suddenly materializes, lifts you off course and causes extreme turbulence. In a split second, you lose control and are in a dangerous situation with potentially serious consequences.

The NTSB report highlights that dust devils can be as strong as tornadoes and waterspouts. They form under clear skies and warm conditions, especially over flat terrain. Their invisible nature makes them difficult to detect, posing a risk of sudden turbulence that can lead to uncontrolled rolls, loss of lift or other disturbances.

So, what can skydivers do to protect themselves against these sky snares? Here are some key takeaways from the NTSB report:

  1 | Stay Informed: Be aware of areas known for dust-devil activity and familiarize yourself with the conditions that favor their formation, such as strong surface heating and flat terrain.

  2 | Be Vigilant: Scan the skies and ground thoroughly before takeoff, landing and during flight operations. Look for shadows on the ground or tracks left by dust devils as indirect signs of their presence.

  3 | Report Sightings: If you spot a dust devil, inform nearby skydivers and DZ staff to alert others of the potential hazard.

  4 | Prepare for the Unexpected: Incorporate information about dust devils and their risks into your skydiving training and safety briefings. Stay proactive and ready to take evasive action if needed.

Remember, just because you can't see a dust devil doesn't mean it's not there. By staying informed, vigilant and prepared, skydivers can mitigate the risks and continue to enjoy the thrill of soaring through the skies safely.

Jumpers can find additional information about dust devils in “Skydiving in the Heat” (July 2022 Parachutist), “Safety Check” (April 2016 Parachutist) and “Safety Check” (July 2012 Parachutist), all of which are available under the Back Issues tab at parachutist.com.

You can access the full NTSB report on dust devils and aviation safety at ntsb.gov.

Ron Bell | D-26863
USPA Director of Safety and Training