Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control of the airplane during takeoff.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot reported that the airplane veered to the left as the tailwheel lifted off the runway during takeoff. He applied right rudder, but the airplane continued to the left. He then applied full right rudder and right brake, at which time, the airplane veered to the right. The airplane continued off the right side of the runway where it crossed a road and traveled through a barbed wire fence prior to coming to rest. The airplane fuselage received substantial damage. The pilot reported there was no malfunction or failure of the airplane.
Source record
Factual narrative
The pilot reported the airplane veered to the left as the tailwheel lifted off the runway during takeoff for the aerial application flight. He applied right rudder, but the airplane continued to the left. He then applied full right rudder and right brake, at which time, the airplane veered to the right. The airplane continued off the right side of the runway where it crossed a road and traveled through a barbed wire fence prior to coming to rest. The airplane fuselage received substantial damage. The pilot reported there was no malfunction or failure of the airplane.