Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control, which resulted in a runway excursion and collision with a fence.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
According to the pilot, during the takeoff roll the tail wheel lifted off the runway and settled back down. When the tail wheel contacted the runway, the pilot lost directional control of the airplane, veered off the runway, and collided with a fence. During the sequence of the accident both wings and the fuselage sustained substantial damage. The pilot stated that he did not have any issues with the flight controls but did "lose directional control of the airplane." The pilot also stated that he may have lost engine power, but a postaccident examination of the engine did not reveal any anomalies that would have precluded normal operation prior to the accident.
Source record
Factual narrative
According to the pilot, during the takeoff roll the tail wheel lifted off the runway and settled back down. When the tail wheel contacted the runway, the pilot lost directional control of the airplane, veered off the runway, and collided with a fence. During the sequence of the accident both wings and the fuselage sustained substantial damage. The pilot stated that he did not have any issues with the flight controls but did lose directional control of the airplane. The pilot also stated that he may have lost engine power, but a postaccident examination of the engine did not reveal any anomalies that would have precluded normal operation prior to the accident.