What happened
The pilot reported that the aircraft began to drift to the left as the tail lifted during the takeoff roll. Although rudder input was applied to correct the deviation, directional control could not be maintained. As the ground loop intensified, the pilot determined that airspeed was insufficient for a safe liftoff and decided to abort the takeoff.
The aircraft departed the paved surface and entered soft terrain located within a shallow depression. Contact with a small bush occurred before the nose gear collapsed, resulting in a nose-over attitude.
The investigation
Examination of the wreckage indicated that the primary damage resulted from the off-runway excursion and subsequent impact with the ground and vegetation. No mechanical failures or malfunctions were identified that would have precluded normal operation of the aircraft prior to the event.
Findings
- Loss of directional control during takeoff roll
- Insufficient airspeed to complete the takeoff after deviation began
- Aborted takeoff performed after leaving the runway surface
- Impact with soft terrain and a bush leading to nose-over
Safety message
Pilots should be vigilant for asymmetric thrust or crosswind effects during the critical phase of takeoff. Early recognition of directional control issues is essential, but maintaining adequate airspeed remains paramount for both continued flight and safe abort decisions.