NTSB Factual Report

The pilot was attempting to depart from a 2,000-foot-long, 30-foot-wide, turf airstrip that was primarily used for agricultural airplanes. He reported that the airplane veered to the left as the tailwheel lifted off the runway during takeoff. The pilot attempted to correct by applying right rudder and retarding the throttle, but the airplane departed the runway to the left. The airplane continued off the runway and impacted a row of corn. The airplane subsequently came to rest inverted, sustaining substantial damage to the right wing. A postaccident examination of the airplane by a Federal Aviation Administration did not reveal any preimpact mechanical malfunctions, nor did the pilot report any. The pilot added that the wind was light at the time and review of recorded weather data indicated the wind speed was 4 knots. The pilot concluded that the accident could have been prevented if he had departed from a larger airport, instead of an agricultural airstrip.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's loss of directional control during the takeoff roll, which resulted in a runway excursion.