Incident Overview
A pilot of a tailwheel-equipped airplane reported that, shortly after beginning the takeoff roll, the airplane began to drift to the left. The pilot applied right aileron and right rudder to correct the deviation, but the airplane continued its leftward movement. Concerned about the lack of response, the pilot decided to abort the takeoff and reduced engine power.
Sequence of Events
As the airplane touched down following the abort, it landed hard and bounced. During the bounce, both main landing gear wheels separated from the aircraft. The airplane subsequently came to rest, having sustained substantial damage to the tail cone structure.
Aircraft and Environmental Conditions
The pilot reported that there were no pre-existing mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have prevented normal operation. According to the automated weather observation station located on the airport, at the time of the incident the wind was from 350 degrees at 3 knots. The pilot had been attempting to take off on runway 27.
Damage Assessment
The airplane's tail cone was substantially damaged. No other damage is specified in the report.