Background
The accident involved a vintage twin-engine tailwheel airplane operated by an experienced pilot with 18,000 flight hours. The pilot was cleared for takeoff on a runway measuring 9,501 feet in length and 50 feet in width. Weather conditions included a tailwind from approximately 160 degrees at 10 knots, which the pilot acknowledged before departure.
Accident Sequence
Shortly after initiating the takeoff roll, the airplane swerved to the right. The pilot was able to correct the deviation back to the runway centerline using rudder control. Subsequently, the airplane swerved to the left. Despite the application of full right rudder, the pilot could not correct the swerve. By the time the airplane reached the left edge of the runway, it had not attained its calculated V2 speed of 110 knots. The airplane then departed the left side of the runway, became airborne, and shortly thereafter, the right wing dropped and contacted the ground. Following this, the airplane spun 180 degrees, impacted the ground, slid backward, and came to rest in an upright position.
Post-Crash Fire
A post-crash fire ensued, consuming the aft fuselage and the left wing of the aircraft.
Probable Cause
The official findings stated that the probable cause of the accident was the pilot's failure to maintain directional control during takeoff. Contributing factors were the choice of runway used and the prevailing tailwind.