Accident Sequence
A high-wing, tailwheel-equipped airplane experienced a loss of directional control during a takeoff attempt from a private grass/dirt airstrip. The pilot, who also owned the airplane, had just completed an annual inspection and topped off the fuel tanks before flying approximately 10 miles to the airstrip, which belonged to a friend. The pilot described the airstrip as a "one way" strip, with uphill landings and downhill takeoffs. He had operated into and out of the strip about 20 times previously, and the inbound flight and landing were uneventful.
After boarding and starting the engine, the pilot back-taxied to the top of a rise that marked the beginning of the runway. This section had a steeper downhill slope than the rest of the runway. Upon reaching the start point, the pilot made a 180-degree left turn and began the takeoff roll without straightening the tailwheel. As soon as takeoff power was applied, the nose of the airplane yawed approximately 15 degrees to the left. The pilot continued the takeoff attempt and applied full right rudder in an effort to correct the ground track.
The pilot then observed a golf cart with a person seated in it situated about 80 feet off the left side of the runway. To avoid the cart and person, the pilot turned more sharply left, which caused the airplane to deviate further from the runway axis. The left main landing gear subsequently struck a hummock and fracture-separated from the airplane. This resulted in contact between the lower fuselage and left wing with the ground. The airplane slid to a stop, sustaining substantial damage to the fuselage and left wing.
Environmental Conditions
The pilot reported that the wind was "way under" 10 mph and was coming from the right side of the airplane during the takeoff attempt. No other weather conditions were specified.
Pilot Actions
The pilot stated that he did not abandon the takeoff attempt after the initial veer because he was concerned that attempting to stop might cause the airplane to nose over onto its back. One passenger reported that the initial directional excursion was "almost immediately" about 45 degrees off the runway axis.
Aircraft Examination
A post-accident examination of the airplane did not reveal any pre-impact conditions that would have precluded normal operation. Review of weight and balance information showed that the center of gravity was very slightly forward of the forward limit, and the airplane might have been very slightly above its maximum certificated takeoff weight. However, neither condition would have contributed to the loss of directional control.