Accident Sequence
The attempted takeoff occurred under a left crosswind condition, with wind speed reported as 10 knots and gusts reaching 17 knots. The pilot initiated the takeoff roll by setting the throttle to approximately one-half of its forward travel. He subsequently increased throttle to the full forward position. To elevate the tailwheel from the runway, the pilot applied forward pressure on the control yoke. The airplane then began to veer toward the left side of the runway. At this point, the airspeed was insufficient for the airplane to become airborne. The pilot therefore elected to abort the takeoff and applied the wheel brakes. Despite braking action, the airplane continued its forward motion and struck a snow bank located adjacent to the runway. The collision caused the airplane to pitch forward onto its nose, then invert, and it came to rest in an inverted attitude.
Damage Assessment
The accident resulted in substantial damage to the vertical stabilizer. The pilot reported that no mechanical malfunctions or failures were present or experienced prior to the accident.
Pilot Comments
In a post-accident statement, the pilot indicated that the accident might have been avoided if he had maintained tailwheel contact with the runway for a longer period during the takeoff roll. Additionally, he suggested that selecting a runway more closely aligned with the wind direction could have prevented the loss of directional control.