Accident Summary
A takeoff incident occurred when an airplane experienced a yaw during rotation. The event took place on a 2,600-foot grass runway. The pilot reported that the airplane yawed 20 to 30 degrees to the left and began to slide along the runway center. In response, the pilot reduced engine power to idle, but the airplane continued to track toward the left side. It subsequently struck a barbed wire fence that ran parallel to the runway.
Sequence of Events
The pilot initiated takeoff from the grass runway. At the point of rotation, the airplane deviated left by an estimated 20 to 30 degrees. Despite the yaw, the airplane remained on the runway surface, sliding instead of lifting off. The pilot promptly reduced engine power to idle in an effort to correct or abort the takeoff. However, the airplane's trajectory continued leftward until it departed the runway edge and impacted a barbed wire fence. The owner of the airplane stated that he had flown the same aircraft earlier that day and noted no discrepancies with its performance or handling prior to the accident flight.
Pilot Actions
The pilot's immediate action was to reduce engine power to idle after the yaw was recognized. This did not alter the airplane's path toward the left side of the runway. The airplane eventually collided with the fence. The owner's preflight observation of no discrepancies suggests that the airplane was considered airworthy before the incident.