Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during takeoff, which resulted in a runway excursion and impact with terrain.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot of the tailwheel equipped airplane reported that, during the takeoff roll, after the tailwheel came off the ground, the airplane veered left and exited the side of the runway. The pilot rotated the airplane to lift off the ground and remain in ground effect, but the main landing gear impacted a snowbank. The airplane nosed over and came to rest inverted, which resulted in substantial damage to the empennage. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.