Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during the takeoff roll.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Historical)
Analysis
The pilot reported that during the takeoff roll on a dirt airstrip, the tailwheel-equipped airplane veered to the right. He added that he "could not see [the] right edge of [the] strip due to [the] tail being low and [the] contour of [the] terrain descending away"; therefore, "corrective measures were not applied". Subsequently, the airplane veered off the right side of the runway, encountered small shrubs/trees and a large rock. The airplane came to rest inverted.
The airplane sustained substantial damage to both wings and the empennage.
The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# GAA17CA264