Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot's unexpected encounter with dust devils during the takeoff ground roll.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
Prior to liftoff the aircraft was pushed off the runway by a gust of wind. After departing the runway, the aircraft struck a bush and was consumed by the ensuing fire. While departing from the accident site, the pilot noticed three dust devils moving away from the runway and two dust devils traveling toward the runway. This weather phenomena is common during the summer months, and is not associated with the any specific wind condition.
Source record
Factual narrative
On July 4, 1997, at 1400 hours Pacific daylight time, a Cessna P206B, N4733F, veered off runway 5 on the takeoff roll, and collided with bushes at the Desert Center, California, airport. The aircraft was destroyed by the ensuing fire, and the owner/pilot, the sole occupant, received minor injuries. Visual meteorological conditions existed for the personal flight that originated from the Big Bear Lake, California, airport at 0930. The pilot reported that just prior to liftoff a gust of wind "slammed me to the right about 20 degrees to 30 degrees off the center line of the runway." He reported that he evacuated the aircraft due to the smell of fire. The pilot stated that "as I was walking to find water and a phone, I noticed 3 twisters (dirt devils) going away from the runway and 2 twisters coming toward the runway." According to a Federal Aviation Administration inspector form the Riverside, California, Flight Standards District Office who is familiar with this airport, this weather phenomena is common during the summer months, and is not associated with any specific wind condition. -