Accident Overview
A flight instructor was providing aircraft transition training and tailwheel training in a tailwheel-equipped experimental amateur-built airplane. The pilot receiving instruction taxied to the runway and completed three high-speed takeoff rolls without incident. The pilot then positioned the airplane for a normal takeoff and requested that the flight instructor stay on the controls during the departure.
Sequence of Events
During the takeoff roll, with the pilot-receiving-instruction on the controls, the airplane began to climb. Shortly after lift-off, the airplane drifted to the right and settled back to the ground. The instructor applied left rudder and attempted to continue the takeoff. However, the right main landing gear collided with a drainage culvert. The airplane subsequently spun to the right and came to rest upright.
Aircraft Damage
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage.
Mechanical Status
Both pilots reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.