What happened
During the initial climb phase of a training flight, the tailwheel-equipped aircraft experienced an unexpected lateral deviation. According to the account provided by the certified flight instructor (CFI) acting as the pilot in command, the aircraft began to veer toward the left side of the runway shortly after the tail wheel lifted off the ground. At this critical moment, the main landing gear remained in contact with the surface.
The CFI attempted to correct the yaw by applying right rudder and utilizing differential braking to maintain directional control. However, fearing that the aircraft might enter an uncontrollable ground loop, the instructor made the decision to abort the takeoff. As the aircraft decelerated, the left wing struck nearby trees. The impact caused the aircraft to swing off the paved surface and come to rest in adjacent bushes.
The investigation
Post-accident examination confirmed that the primary damage was concentrated on the left wing structure. The aircraft sustained significant impact damage consistent with striking tree limbs and dense vegetation. No mechanical failures or malfunctions were identified that would have contributed to the loss of directional control during the takeoff roll.
Findings
The sequence of events indicates a loss of directional control during the early phase of takeoff. The deviation toward the left occurred while the main wheels were still on the ground, suggesting a potential issue with rudder effectiveness or crosswind correction at low speeds. The subsequent collision with trees and bushes was a direct result of the aborted takeoff attempt and the inability to maintain runway alignment.
Safety message
This incident highlights the challenges of directional control in tailwheel aircraft during takeoff. Pilots must be vigilant for sudden yaw tendencies, particularly when transitioning from ground roll to flight. Proper rudder input and timely decision-making are essential to prevent ground loops and off-airfield excursions.