Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain control of the airplane during takeoff, which resulted in a collision with terrain.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot reported that during an attempted takeoff in a tailwheel equipped airplane, he experienced a left crosswind as he lifted the tail and the airplane veered off the left side of the runway and impacted terrain. The right wing and fuselage were substantially damaged. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.