Accident Sequence
The airplane veered off the runway during an aborted takeoff and collided with terrain. The pilot performed a before-takeoff check of the flight controls and engine systems, then initiated the takeoff roll on runway 21L. The airplane became airborne after a normal ground roll and climbed at a rate of 100 to 200 feet per minute. After reaching an altitude of about 100 feet above ground, the pilot determined the airplane was not gaining sufficient altitude. Estimating 2,000 to 2,500 feet of runway remained, he decided to perform a precautionary landing.
The airplane touched down normally along the runway centerline, but during the landing rollout it veered to the left. It continued off the runway into adjacent grass, where the left main landing gear impacted soft soil, causing the airplane to pivot left.
Pilot Comments
The pilot reported having only 3.5 hours of experience in the tailwheel-equipped airplane and stated he was not yet accustomed to its tendency to veer left during the landing rollout. He indicated he was hesitant to overcorrect and cited unfamiliarity with this characteristic as a possible contributing factor to the loss of directional control.