Probable cause
The pilot's inadequate compensation for wind conditions and failure to maintain directional control. A contributing factor was the unexpected dust devil.
NTSB analysis
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.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for LAX08CA079 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Mar 18, 2008
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Moab, Utah
- Nearest airport
- Canyonlands Field (CNY)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Cessna 180H
- N-number
- N180LH
- Category
- Airplane
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Personal
From the NTSB aviation accident database: N-registered aircraft, events since 2008, data through Oct 28, 2026. The file is published monthly, so the latest weeks are incomplete and recent records can change. The official source is the NTSB aviation investigation search. CheckAero is independent and not affiliated with the NTSB.