On 27 May 2014, a PIPER PA28R - 201T 201T was involved in an aviation accident near Novato, CA. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during landing roll with a crosswind, which resulted in a runway excursion and impact with terrain. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 12 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
A pilot reported that a dust devil encountered on takeoff caused the aircraft to skid off the runway, strike a berm, and rotate 360 degrees before coming to rest on a taxiway. Substantial damage was sustained.
Incident Overview
A pilot reported that during the takeoff roll, approximately halfway down the runway, the aircraft encountered a dust devil. The dust devil lifted the right wing, causing the aircraft to veer to the left. The aircraft skidded off the left side of the runway and impacted a berm. After striking the berm, the aircraft rotated 360 degrees to the right before coming to rest on an adjacent taxiway.
Damage Assessment
The aircraft sustained substantial damage to the right door frame structure and the right wing spar. No other damage items were specified in the report.
Pilot Statement
The pilot stated that there were no mechanical anomalies with the aircraft that would have precluded normal operation. No other contributing factors or causal links were identified in the source.
Contributing factors
Causes
PilotDirectional control — Not attained/maintained