Tailwheel Airplane Strikes Sprinkler and Noses Over During Takeoff

Incident Details

A tailwheel-equipped airplane was conducting a takeoff roll from a grass airstrip. The pilot reported that, to avoid a dip in the middle of the airstrip, the airplane straddled an irrigation pipe located on the east side. Immediately after straddling the pipe, the airplane impacted a sprinkler. This impact caused the pilot to lose directional control. The airplane subsequently veered left and collided with a fence. The collision resulted in a nose-over, and the airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing, empennage, and fuselage.

Mechanical Condition

The pilot reported that there were no preimpact mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airframe or engine that would have precluded normal operation. The airplane was a tailwheel type.