Accident Details
During the takeoff roll, a tailwheel-equipped airplane experienced a rightward drift toward the edge of the runway. The pilot responded by reducing power to abort the takeoff. However, noticing that the airplane was heading directly toward a runway sign, the pilot decided to add full power in an attempt to fly over the sign.
As the airplane approached the sign, it became clear that it would not clear the obstacle. The pilot then veered the airplane sharply to the left. Despite this maneuver, the right horizontal stabilizer struck the sign. The impact caused the airplane to nose over, and it came to rest inverted on the runway.
Investigation Findings
No mechanical discrepancies were reported with the airplane. The pilot's actions during the aborted takeoff and subsequent attempt to avoid the sign were documented. The investigation did not identify any mechanical failures that could have contributed to the incident.
Sequence of Events
The incident began when the airplane deviated from the runway centerline during the takeoff roll. After the pilot initially reduced power to abort, the decision to add full power and attempt to clear the sign occurred in response to the imminent collision. The leftward veer was a last-second effort to avoid the sign, but the right horizontal stabilizer made contact.
The airplane then nosed over, likely due to the asymmetrical drag and loss of control following the strike. The airplane came to rest inverted, with the pilot remaining inside until rescue.
Conclusion
The accident involved a tailwheel-equipped airplane striking a runway sign during an aborted takeoff. No mechanical issues were found, and the pilot's actions were consistent with attempting to avoid a collision. The airplane sustained damage to the right horizontal stabilizer and likely other components due to the nose-over.