Incident Overview
During the takeoff roll, the airplane departed the left side of the runway and collided with a ditch. The pilot was attempting a 3-point takeoff technique that had been demonstrated to him but which he had never attempted before. The pilot reported that the airplane experienced no mechanical failures or malfunctions during the flight.
Sequence of Events
The pilot's usual technique involved raising the tail as soon as the elevator became effective, accelerating to takeoff speed, and then rotating. On this flight, he opted to attempt the 3-point takeoff method. During the takeoff roll, he lost directional control. The airplane exited the left side of the runway at a low speed, crossed a taxiway, and impacted a ditch.
Pilot Statement
The pilot indicated that the airplane had no mechanical failures or malfunctions during the flight. The investigation did not identify any pre-existing issues with the aircraft that could have contributed to the loss of control.