Accident Cessna 180H N180LH, Tuesday 18 March 2008

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Date:	Tuesday 18 March 2008
Time:	15:30 LT
Type:	Cessna 180H
Owner/operator:	Private
Registration:	N180LH
MSN:	31708
Total airframe hrs:	3830 hours
Engine model:	Continental O-470-R
Fatalities:	Fatalities: 0 / Occupants: 1
Other fatalities:	0
Aircraft damage:	Substantial
Category:	Accident
Location:	Moab, Utah - United States of America
Phase:	Take off
Nature:	Private
Departure airport:	Moab-Canyonlands Field, UT (CNY/KCNY)
Destination airport:	Mineral Canyon, UT
Investigating agency:	NTSB
Confidence Rating:	Accident investigation report completed and information captured

Narrative:
While waiting in line to takeoff, the pilot observed a Super Cub and a Cessna 172 depart, and on the basis of how those airplanes behaved, he thought that the winds were calm. The pilot encountered a dust devil and crosswind during the takeoff roll. The airplane became airborne, settled to the ground off the runway surface, and struck a runway distance marker. Examination of the airplane revealed a dent in the horizontal stabilizer.

Probable Cause: The pilot's inadequate compensation for wind conditions and failure to maintain directional control. A contributing factor was the unexpected dust devil.

Accident investigation: