Circumstances
According to the pilot of a tailwheel-equipped airplane, his usual practice was to fly with two seat cushions. On the day of the accident, he gave one cushion to his passenger. During the takeoff roll on a narrow grass surface private airstrip, the pilot stated that the missing cushion distorted his visual perception.
Takeoff and Maneuver
Using his peripheral vision, the pilot sensed that the airplane had drifted to the left. In response, he applied right rudder and right brake. He recalled that the airplane's left wing struck bushes, but he continued the takeoff. As the airplane's tail lifted, the airplane veered left and entered the bushes.
Damage and Mechanical Status
The accident resulted in substantial damage to the right wing. The pilot reported that there were no mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.