Incident Overview
During a takeoff roll on a dirt runway, the pilot rotated the airplane. As the aircraft passed through a dip in the airstrip, the pilot felt a thump, consistent with a tail strike. The airplane became airborne and the pilot continued the flight without further incident.
Postflight Findings
A postflight inspection revealed substantial damage to the bulkhead and lower skin of the tail cone. The damage was isolated to the aft section of the aircraft.
Mechanical Status
The pilot reported that no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions of the airframe or engine had occurred that would have precluded normal operation. The aircraft was otherwise in working condition before the event.
Summary
The event occurred during a routine takeoff from an unprepared dirt runway. The dip in the runway surface contributed to the tail strike, but no further operational issues arose during the flight.