Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot's selection of unsuitable terrain for takeoff, resulting in a loss of control.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot reported that during the takeoff roll from a remote site the tailwheel-equipped airplane encountered soft terrain and nosed down. He stated that the accident takeoff was his third attempt to depart the site, and that during the attempt he realized the runway was not long enough and reduced the engine power to idle. The airplane's main landing gear tires sank into the soft terrain and the airplane nosed down, sustaining substantial damage to the right wing assembly. The pilot noted that there were no preimpact mechanical anomalies with the airplane.
Source record
Factual narrative
The commercial pilot reported that during the takeoff roll from a remote site, the tailwheel-equipped airplane encountered soft terrain and nosed down. He stated that the accident takeoff was his third attempt to depart the site, and that during the attempt he "ran out of room and retarded the throttle." The airplane's main landing gear tires sank into the soft terrain, and the airplane nosed down,sustaining substantial damage to the right wing assembly. The pilot noted that there were no mechanical anomalies with the airplane during the accident scenario. The airplane was operated as a personal flight under the provisions of Title 14, Code of Federal Regulations Part 91, when the accident occurred.