Accident Overview
A pilot attempted to depart from a 2,000-foot-long, 30-foot-wide turf airstrip primarily used for agricultural aircraft. During takeoff, as the tailwheel lifted off the runway, the airplane veered to the left. The pilot applied right rudder and retarded the throttle in an attempt to correct, but the airplane departed the left side of the runway.
Impact Sequence
After leaving the runway, the airplane continued into a row of corn and subsequently came to rest inverted. The accident resulted in substantial damage to the right wing.
Postaccident Examination
A Federal Aviation Administration examination of the airplane after the accident did not reveal any preimpact mechanical malfunctions. The pilot did not report any such issues either.
Weather and Pilot Comments
The pilot described the wind as light at the time of the accident. Review of recorded weather data indicated a wind speed of 4 knots. The pilot concluded that the accident could have been prevented if the departure had been conducted from a larger airport instead of the agricultural airstrip.