Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot’s loss of airplane control during takeoff and subsequent impact with trees and terrain. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s lack of experience in the accident airplane.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The flight instructor reported that the purpose of the flight was to familiarize the pilot with the airplane. As they prepared for takeoff, the flight instructor mentioned that the larger engine on this airplane tends to pull the airplane “gently left at full power.” The pilot started the takeoff roll with no problem. As the tailwheel lifted off the ground, the airplane veered sharply right and was nose high. The airplane subsequently impacted trees and terrain. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing and fuselage. The flight instructor further reported there were no mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operations.