Accident Details
A pilot reported that prior to the takeoff roll, he applied one notch of flaps and added power to a tailwheel-equipped airplane. During the takeoff roll, just before rotation, the airplane veered to the left. The pilot stated he was unable to keep the airplane on the runway. He aborted the takeoff, applied the brakes, and the airplane exited the runway to the left, subsequently impacting a drainage culvert.
Damage Assessment
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing spar and ribs as a result of the impact with the culvert.
Mechanical Status
The pilot reported that no mechanical malfunctions or anomalies were present with any portion of the airplane during the preflight inspection that would have prevented normal flight operations.
Weather and Runway
The meteorological aerodrome report for the accident airport indicated the wind was from 100 degrees true at 4 knots at the time of the accident. The pilot departed from runway 25.