NTSB Factual Report

The pilot of the tailwheel-equipped airplane reported that he was departing a dry paved runway, which required a correction for a slight left quartering tailwind. As the airplane accelerated, it veered to the left, with full right rudder applied. The airplane turned right, and the left main gear collapsed. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage. In the pilot’s written statement to the National Transportation Safety Board he noted that the accident might have been avoided if he had used a different runway.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot’s decision to take off with a quartering tailwind, which resulted in a loss of control.