Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during takeoff.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot of the tailwheel-equipped airplane reported that, during takeoff, he lost directional control. He added that the airplane veered to the left "abruptly," exited the runway, and struck a vertical approach slope indicator light. The right main landing gear collapsed, and the airplane nosed over. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the empennage. The pilot did not submit the National Transportation Safety Board Form 6120.1 Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident/Incident Report.
Source record
Factual narrative
The pilot of the tailwheel-equipped airplane reported that, during takeoff, he lost directional control. He added that the airplane veered to the left "abruptly", exited the runway, and struck a vertical approach slope indicator (VASI) light. The right main landing gear collapsed and the airplane nosed over. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the empennage. The pilot did not submit the NTSB Form 6120.1 Pilot/ Operator Aircraft Accident/ Incident Report.