Accident Details
A private pilot with approximately 67 hours of flight time was conducting a planned training flight in the traffic pattern in a single-engine tailwheel airplane. The accident occurred during the initial takeoff roll on runway 08.
Narrative
According to the pilot, as the airplane accelerated, the tailwheel lifted off the ground, and the airplane began to weathervane to the left. The pilot reduced engine power in an attempt to abort the takeoff, but the airplane continued moving leftward across the runway. He applied full right rudder and used differential braking to try to maintain runway alignment. Despite these efforts, the airplane departed the left side of the runway and encountered a ditch in the grass. The propeller struck the ground, abruptly stopping the engine, and the airplane nosed over, coming to rest inverted.
Weather
At the time of the accident, the reported wind was 030 degrees at 18 knots with gusts to 24 knots.
Outcome
The pilot was not injured and was able to egress the airplane unassisted.