Incident Overview
A pilot and a pilot-rated passenger were conducting a personal flight in a tailwheel-equipped airplane. The pilot occupied the rear seat, while the passenger sat in the front seat. The passenger lacked a tailwheel endorsement but intended to follow the pilot's controls during takeoff for familiarization.
Sequence of Events
During the takeoff roll, as the airplane approached liftoff speed, it experienced a rapid veer to the left. The pilot immediately abandoned the takeoff and consciously decided not to attempt to return to the runway, instead allowing the airplane to continue rolling and decelerate on the grass and gravel beside the runway. This decision was based on the pilot's desire to avoid potentially hazardous maneuvering or a ground loop.
Collision and Damage
During the rollout, due to the pilot's inability to see directly ahead, the airplane struck a Visual Approach Slope Indicator (VASI) installation located approximately 1,300 feet down the runway and offset about 145 feet from the runway centerline. The collision resulted in substantial damage to the left wing struts.
Pilot's Statement
The pilot stated that he did not believe any mechanical malfunction or failure caused or contributed to the runway excursion. He further stated that he could not rule out the possibility that he had inadvertently applied one wheel brake during the takeoff roll.