What happened
An airline transport pilot was performing a southerly departure from a gravel airstrip measuring 1,300 feet in length. The aircraft involved was a tailwheel equipped airplane.
During the takeoff roll, approximately halfway down the runway, the left wheel of the aircraft encountered an area of soft ground. This caused the airplane to veer sharply to the left. As the aircraft drifted off the prepared surface, the left wing struck a stand of trees located at the edge of the airstrip.
The impact caused the aircraft to pivot approximately 90 degrees to the left, resulting in the collapse of the right main landing gear. Following this collapse, the right wing struck the ground, causing substantial damage to the aircraft. The pilot was not injured during the event.
Findings
The pilot reported that there were no mechanical anomalies or issues with the airplane prior to the accident.