Accident Sequence
The pilot reported that during the accident flight, after initiating the takeoff roll on a 3,200-foot by 70-foot rocky runway with calm winds, the airplane initially tracked straight down the centerline. The pilot stated that full engine power was produced. According to his standard procedure, he applied back pressure to lift the nose at 55 mph. However, immediately after the nose came up, the airplane began tracking left toward the left side of the runway. Despite attempts to maintain directional control, the airplane continued veering left and subsequently struck a juniper tree and terrain, causing a wing to break.
Pilot's Report
During the preflight inspection, all airplane systems were reported as operating normally. The pilot chose to perform a combination soft-field and short-field takeoff, with wing flaps extended to the 20-degree position, due to the rocky runway condition. After accelerating to 55 mph, he pulled the airplane off the ground. He then relaxed back pressure on the yoke to accelerate to 90 mph before beginning a climb. The pilot noted that this was his standard procedure for such conditions.
Post-Accident Information
The pilot provided these details to the National Transportation Safety Board investigator. No additional information regarding the aircraft type, registration, operator, date, location, or occupant status was provided in the source.