Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during takeoff. The crosswind condition was a factor.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Current)
Analysis
The pilot reported that he initiated the takeoff roll on runway 24, with the wind estimated to be from 315 degrees at 8-10 knots. After sufficient acceleration, the pilot moved the yoke forward in order to raise the tailwheel off the ground. As the tail began to rise, the aircraft immediately became airborne and "aggressively drifted" to the left. The pilot was unable to correct for the deviation, and flew towards the south, away from the runway heading. The aircraft then flew over a 10 foot deep depression in the ground and descended. At the end of the depression, where the terrain rose back up to ground level, the aircraft impacted a barbed wire fence. The pilot was able to set the aircraft down in a small clearing past the fence, but due to a sloped area ahead, the pilot intentionally ground looped the aircraft to the right. The aircraft nosed over, coming to rest inverted.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# SEA07CA219