Accident Overview
During the takeoff roll, the pilot of a tailwheel-equipped airplane experienced difficulty maintaining directional control on the runway. According to a telephone interview with the National Transportation Safety Board Investigator-In-Charge, after becoming airborne, the airplane aerodynamically stalled and entered brush off the end of the runway. The airplane then nosed over and came to rest inverted.
Damage and Mechanical Condition
The accident resulted in substantial damage to the left wing. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Weather Conditions
The automated weather observation station located approximately 9 miles to the north-northwest reported that, around the time of the accident, the wind was from 170° at 8 knots, gusting to 18 knots. The airplane had departed from the southeast runway.
Pilot's Account
The pilot stated that during the takeoff roll, he had difficulty staying on the runway. In a telephone interview, he added that while airborne, the airplane aerodynamically stalled into brush off the end of the runway. The airplane subsequently nosed over and came to rest inverted.