Accident Overview
The accident involved a student pilot who was also the owner of the airplane. According to the pilot, he held a solo endorsement to operate the airplane. A flight instructor was seated with him, though the instructor had not yet received a tail wheel endorsement to operate that type of airplane.
Events During Takeoff
The preceding touch-and-go landing was reported as uneventful. However, during the subsequent takeoff, the pilot noticed the airplane beginning to "weather vane." In response, he reduced the throttle to idle and applied left rudder input in an attempt to maintain directional control. Despite these actions, the airplane veered off the runway, struck a runway light, and then turned around, causing substantial damage.
Flight Instructor's Account
The flight instructor stated that when the airplane started to deviate from the runway, he also applied rudder control input. Nevertheless, the airplane continued toward the right edge of the runway. Within approximately 5 to 8 seconds, the airplane swung through an arc of 180 degrees, and the instructor was unable to maintain directional control.
Aircraft and System Condition
Both occupants confirmed that prior to the accident, there was no failure or malfunction of the airplane or any of its systems.