Accident Overview
A pilot reported that during the initial takeoff roll on an unlighted asphalt runway, the airplane departed the pavement and nosed over. The runway was 2,100 feet long and 20 feet wide. Illumination was provided solely by street lights on parallel streets and the airplane's own lights.
Pilot's Account
According to the pilot, at the start of the departure roll he had a clear view of the runway. However, shortly after beginning the takeoff roll, he "realized he could no longer see the runway edges." Immediately upon this realization, he felt the left main tire begin to drag in the muddy ground adjacent to the runway. He applied hard right rudder in an attempt to bring the left main tire back onto the pavement, but the effort was unsuccessful.
Sequence of Events
The pilot then recognized that all of the airplane's wheels were off the pavement. He pulled back on the yoke to keep the nose wheel elevated and reduced engine power in an attempt to abort the takeoff. After a "very short pause," he felt the front of the airplane "dig in," at which point the aircraft nosed over and came to rest inverted.
Investigation Remarks
The source provides no additional details regarding the aircraft type, registration, number of occupants, injuries, or other contextual factors. The pilot's report is the sole basis for this account, and no official accident report or probable cause determination has been cited.