On May 27, 1995, a Piper PA-18A-180 (registration N7808Z) was involved in an aviation accident near Westcliffe, CO. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE LOSS OF CONTROL DUE TO THE ENCOUNTER WITH THE DUST DEVIL. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
During takeoff roll at 45-50 mph, the airplane veered hard right. The pilot received no response to control inputs. The airplane exited the runway, struck a dirt bank, nosed over, and came to rest inverted. Dust devils were observed nearby, with reports of loose objects being tossed.
Event Description
During the takeoff roll, at a speed of 45 to 50 miles per hour, the airplane unexpectedly veered hard to the right. The pilot attempted to correct the deviation but received no response to control inputs. The airplane subsequently exited the right side of the runway, struck a dirt bank, nosed over, and came to rest in an inverted position.
Witness Observations
Dust devils were observed moving across the airport around the time of the accident. Witnesses who reported no visible dust associated with the dust devils stated that folding chairs and loose objects were tossed around.