CEN10CA451

Factual narrative

The accident occurred while the tail-wheel equipped airplane was accelerating on the takeoff roll. The pilot reported that the airplane's tail became airborne before rotation speed, and was immediately followed by a left yaw/swerve. He attempted to regain directional control with right rudder and brake inputs, but the airplane continued in the left swerve. He elected to abort the takeoff by reducing engine power to idle while continuing to apply right rudder and brake inputs. The pilot stated that he used "aggressive" braking as the airplane approached the left edge of the runway, but the airplane departed the runway and struck several trees. He noted that the turf-runway was dew covered and that the winds were approximately 3 knots from the southwest, with no gusts. The leading edges of both wings, vertical stabilizer, and rudder were substantially damaged during the accident. A post-accident inspection of the airplane did not reveal any mechanical malfunction of the tailwheel or braking systems. The pilot stated that tailwheel-equipped airplane was accelerating on the takeoff roll when the tail became airborne before rotation speed, which was immediately followed by a left yaw/swerve. He attempted to regain directional control with right rudder and brake inputs, but the airplane continued in the left swerve. He elected to abort the takeoff by reducing engine power to idle while continuing to apply right rudder and brake inputs. He used aggressive braking as the airplane approached the left edge of the runway, but the airplane continued off the runway and struck several trees. He noted that the turf-runway was dew covered and that the wind was at approximately 3 knots, with no gusts. The leading edge of both wings, vertical stabilizer, and rudder were substantially damaged during the accident. A postaccident inspection of the airplane did not reveal any mechanical malfunction of the tailwheel or braking systems. Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database Retrieved: 2026-02-12

NTSB Findings

FAA avdata. C = Cause, F = Factor.

• C Aircraft-Aircraft oper/perf/capability-Performance/control parameters-Directional control-Not attained/maintained - C
• C Personnel issues-Task performance-Use of equip/info-Aircraft control-Pilot - C
• — Environmental issues-Physical environment-Runway/land/takeoff/taxi surfa-Wet-Effect on operation
• — Environmental issues-Physical environment-Object/animal/substance-Tree(s)-Contributed to outcome