Accident Overview
On March 18, 2008, at approximately 1630 mountain daylight time, a Cessna 180 (registration N180LH) struck a runway sign while taking off at Moab, Utah. The aircraft was being operated by the pilot-owner under 14 CFR Part 91. The certificated commercial pilot was not injured. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the horizontal stabilizer.
Flight Details
The flight was a personal cross-country trip to Mineral Canyon. Visual meteorological conditions were present, and no flight plan had been filed.
Pilot Account
The pilot reported that he taxied to runway 21 and observed a Super Cub and a Cessna 172 depart before his takeoff. He believed the winds were calm. During the takeoff roll, he encountered a crosswind that caused the airplane to drift off the side of the runway. The left wing began to lift, so the pilot applied aileron into the wind and right rudder. The airplane became airborne but then settled back down off the runway surface, parallel to the runway. As it lifted off, the pilot heard a noise indicating contact with an object. The aircraft had struck a runway distance marker.
Post-Accident Actions
After becoming airborne, the pilot noticed that the elevator trim was inoperative. He returned to the airport and landed without further incident. Examination of the airplane revealed a dent in the horizontal stabilizer.
Additional Information
The pilot noted that the airport manager described the gust as a dust devil.