Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the takeoff roll.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot said that he had landed on a small, dry lake bed. He departed with a slight left crosswind, and the airplane began to weathervane to the left. The pilot was unable to counteract the left-turning tendency with the rudder, so he aborted the takeoff. When he applied the brakes, the airplane ground looped to the left, bending the right wing and horizontal stabilizer. Postaccident examination revealed no evidence of preimpact mechanical malfunction or failure that would have precluded normal operation.
Source record
Factual narrative
The pilot said that he had landed on a small dry lake bed or playa. He departed with a light left crosswind, and the airplane began to weathervane to the left. He said he was unable to counteract the left turning tendency with the rudder, so he aborted the takeoff. During the application of brakes, the aircraft ground looped to the left bending the right wing and horizontal stabilizer.