Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot did not maintain control of the airplane during takeoff, which resulted in a ground collision with airport construction materials.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot reported that the tailwheel-equipped airplane started to veer to the left as he started the takeoff roll. He brought the tail up and applied a “little” right rudder. The airplane continued to veer to the left, the pilot applied full right rudder, and the airplane hit the edge of the runway. The pilot continued the takeoff with full power, but it became apparent that the airplane did not have enough airspeed for liftoff. He reduced the throttle to idle, but the airplane hit a construction flag barrier pole and concrete drainage pipes that were being installed between the new and existing runways. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the wings. The pilot reported that there were no mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Source record
Factual narrative
The pilot reported that the tailwheel equipped airplane started to veer to the left as he started the takeoff roll. He brought the tail up and applied a “little” right rudder. The airplane continued to veer to the left and he applied full right rudder when it hit the edge of the runway. He kept full power in until it became apparent that he did not have enough airspeed for liftoff. He pulled the throttle to idle, but the airplane hit a construction flag barrier pole and concrete drainage pipes, which resulted in substantial damage to the wings. The pilot reported that there was no mechanical malfunction or failure of the airplane.