Incident Overview
An experimental amateur-built airplane experienced a loss of directional control during takeoff, resulting in a runway excursion and substantial damage. The pilot, who was unfamiliar with the aircraft, was conducting a pre-purchase flight accompanied by an aircraft mechanic/pilot who was familiar with the airplane. The mechanic occupied the right seat.
Pre-Takeoff Instructions
Before the flight, the mechanic instructed the pilot to anticipate applying right rudder when increasing power during takeoff. The pilot complied by applying right rudder, but reported that once full power was applied, the airplane continued to veer to the left. According to the pilot, there was verbal communication between them indicating that both were applying right rudder and simultaneous aileron.
Loss of Control
In response to the veering, the pilot pulled the mixture control to shut off the engine. However, the airplane continued off the left side of the runway. Shortly after, the pilot heard a loud "pop," and the airplane then veered to the right. The landing gear collapsed, and the airplane came to rest off the right side of the runway.
Damage and Pilot's Belief
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage and rudder. The pilot reported that he believed there was a mechanical failure that caused the airplane to not respond to inputs from the right rudder, right brake, and right aileron. He speculated that the left brake or bearing seized, creating enough friction to overcome the control inputs.
Mechanic's Assessment
According to the mechanic, the airplane was not equipped with rudder/brake pedals on the right side. Prior to the flight, the pilot had used the brakes effectively to taxi for takeoff. The mechanic stated that all brakes were in good shape and everything was in good operational condition. He added that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Weather Conditions
The automated weather observation system at the accident airport reported wind from 190° at 7 knots around the time of the accident. The pilot was departing on runway 17L.