On March 27, 2006, a Piper PA-38-112 (registration N939RG) operated by James Hinrichs was involved in an aviation accident near Marana, AZ. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's inadequate evaluation of weather conditions and loss of directional control, which resulted in the airplane exiting the runway during the takeoff roll, and striking a sign. A factor associated with the accident was a dust devil. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A private pilot encountered a dust devil during takeoff, lost directional control, and struck runway signs, causing landing gear and wing damage.
Accident Overview
A private pilot conducting a local personal flight under 14 CFR Part 91 experienced a loss of directional control during the takeoff roll after encountering a dust devil. The airplane subsequently exited the runway and collided with runway signage.
Sequence of Events
According to the pilot, during the takeoff roll a dust devil was encountered, leading to a loss of directional control. The airplane then departed the runway surface and struck a runway sign. This impact resulted in the separation of the left wheel and axle assembly. The airplane continued forward and struck another sign, which broke off the left landing gear strut and damaged the left wing leading edge. The pilot further reported that the fuselage sustained dents.
Damage Assessment
The left wheel and axle assembly were broken off, the left landing gear strut separated, the left wing leading edge was damaged, and the fuselage received dents. No other damage was reported.