Accident Description
A tail-wheel equipped airplane was accelerating during the takeoff roll when the tail became airborne before rotation speed, immediately followed by a left yaw or swerve. The pilot attempted to regain directional control with right rudder and brake inputs, but the aircraft continued to swerve left. The pilot elected to abort the takeoff by reducing engine power to idle while continuing to apply right rudder and brake. Despite using "aggressive" braking as the airplane approached the left edge of the runway, the airplane departed the runway and struck several trees.
Environmental Conditions
The pilot noted that the turf runway was dew-covered and that winds were approximately 3 knots from the southwest with no gusts.
Damage and Inspection
The leading edges of both wings, the vertical stabilizer, and the rudder were substantially damaged. A post-accident inspection of the airplane did not reveal any mechanical malfunction of the tailwheel or braking systems.