Accident Details
The pilot reported that during the takeoff roll at 40 miles per hour, he raised the tail of the airplane. Shortly after, the airplane began moving left of the runway centerline. The pilot applied right rudder, but the airplane continued moving left as if a brake was dragging. The pilot reduced power to abort the takeoff, but the airplane continued left off the runway into the grass. The propeller struck the ground, and the airplane went up on its nose and over onto its back.
Examination
An examination of the airplane revealed no anomalies.
Weather Conditions
The reported winds at Colorado Springs Municipal Airport (located 9 miles south-southwest of the airport) were 100 degrees at 17 knots, gusting to 21 knots. The owner of a fixed-base operation on the airport stated that the winds were out of the west that day, approximately 260 degrees, and were gusting. The owner could not provide an estimate of the wind speed but said the winds were strong enough that flying operations were suspended.