NTSB Factual Report

The pilot and his passenger had just completed a photo mission and returned to a local airport to refuel before departing back to their home airport located in another state. While preparing for the return flight, the pilot noted the winds were starting to increase/gust, but the visibility was 20 miles and the sky was clear. After a normal taxi to the runway, the pilot departed. The pilot said he rotated at 60 knots and 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 and the airplane yawed to the left approximately 150 degrees, was forced to the right side of the runway, and back onto the ground. The airplane landed on the main gear with the engine still at full power. The pilot immediately cut power to the engine and applied full breaks. The airplane skidded across a taxiway and collided with a runway sign resulting in substantial damage to the fuselage and horizontal stabilizer. The pilot reported that he had five seconds to react to the situation and there were no mechanical deficiencies with the airplane. A review of the automated weather reports at the airport at the time of the accident, did not report any dust-devil activity.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's inability to control the airplane on take off.