Tailwheel Single-Engine Airplane Exits Runway During Takeoff Roll (N620CF)

Incident Overview and Pilot Background A pilot holding an Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) certificate with 6,384 total flight hours and 69 hours in the make and model was operating a homebuilt, tailwheel-equipped single-engine airplane. The pilot reported that the aircraft's controls responded correctly during taxi from the hangar to Runway 14. ## Takeoff Roll and Loss of Control Before entering the active runway, the pilot performed a 360-degree clockwise turn to visually check for approaching aircraft, then made a left turn onto the runway. During the takeoff roll, the airplane began swerving to the left. The pilot attempted to correct the swerve by applying right rudder, but the aircraft did not respond. ## Impact and Post-Accident Examination The airplane exited the left side of the 3,740-foot by 60-foot asphalt runway and struck a berm and a nearby railroad track. An FAA inspector examined the airplane's flight controls and tailwheel assembly and found no pre-accident anomalies. ## Environmental Conditions The pilot was attempting to depart from Runway 14. A weather observation facility located 6 nautical miles northeast of the accident site reported winds from 220 degrees at 6 knots.