What happened
During the takeoff phase on a runway measuring 9,501 feet by 50 feet, a pilot with 18,000 hours of experience attempted to depart in a vintage twin-engine tail wheel equipped airplane. At the time of the incident, the pilot was operating with a 10-knot tailwind originating from approximately 160 degrees.
As the takeoff roll commenced, the aircraft initially drifted toward the right side of the runway. The pilot successfully used rudder inputs to return the plane to the centerline. However, the aircraft then drifted toward the left. Despite the application of full right rudder, the pilot was unable to maintain the centerline. Before the aircraft could reach its calculated V2 speed of 110 knots, it exited the left edge of the runway.
Upon departing the paved surface, the aircraft became airborne, at which point the right wing dipped and struck the ground. This impact caused the aircraft to rotate 180 degrees. The aircraft subsequently slid backward across the terrain before coming to a stop in an upright position. A fire broke out following the impact, which destroyed the left wing and the rear section of the fuselage.
Findings
- The aircraft failed to reach its required V2 speed of 110 knots before the runway excursion occurred.
- The aircraft was unable to maintain directional control following a secondary swerve to the left.