Departure
The pilot and a passenger had completed a photo mission and returned to a local airport to refuel before departing to their home airport in another state. While preparing for the return flight, the pilot noted winds were starting to increase and gust, but visibility was 20 miles and the sky was clear. After a normal taxi to the runway, the pilot departed.
Dust Devil Encounter
The pilot reported rotating at 60 knots. As soon as the airplane became airborne, a large dust devil exploded across the runway and enveloped the airplane. The pilot was unable to see due to the dust. The airplane yawed left approximately 150 degrees, was forced to the right side of the runway, and back onto the ground.
Loss of Control and Collision
The airplane landed on the main landing gear with the engine still at full power. The pilot immediately cut power to the engine and applied full brakes. The airplane skidded across a taxiway and collided with a runway sign. The collision resulted in substantial damage to the fuselage and horizontal stabilizer.
Pilot Actions and Conditions
The pilot reported having five seconds to react to the situation and stated there were no mechanical deficiencies with the airplane. A review of automated weather reports at the airport at the time of the accident did not report any dust devil activity.