Aircraft veers off runway following encounter with dust devil

Casualties unknown • San Andreas, CA, US

An aircraft veered off the runway and struck a berm during takeoff ground roll after encountering a dust devil.

What happened

During the takeoff ground roll, the aircraft encountered a dust devil. Approximately 600 feet into the roll, the airplane veered to the left. Despite the pilot providing counteractive control inputs, the aircraft continued to veer in that direction. In an attempt to manage the situation, the pilot reduced power. During the excursion, the right main landing gear sheared off, and the airplane eventually came to rest on its right wing and horizontal stabilizer.

The investigation

Witnesses at the scene informed the pilot that they observed a dust devil approaching the aircraft during the takeoff roll. Prior to the event, the pilot reported experiencing no anomalies regarding the engine or the airframe.

Probable cause

The encounter with a dust devil during the takeoff ground roll caused the aircraft to veer off the runway and collide with a berm.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2005-09-01 Cessna A185E accident near San Andreas, CA?

An aircraft veered off the runway and struck a berm during takeoff ground roll after encountering a dust devil.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2005-09-01 involved a Cessna A185E, registration N1644M, operated by Casey M. Long, at San Andreas, CA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The encounter with a dust devil during the takeoff ground roll caused the aircraft to veer off the runway and collide with a berm.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20050930X01556. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.

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