Event ERA11CA277

Factual narrative

The pilot reported that he was attempting to take off from runway 24. Approximately 200 feet down the runway on takeoff roll he prematurely lifted the tail wheel of his airplane, and lost directional control. The airplane veered to the left, exited the runway and struck a runway light. The right main gear separated from the airplane, and the right wing collided with the ground. During the accident sequence, the airplane incurred substantial damage to the right wing and fuselage. The nearest airport's weather observation system reported wind from 170 degrees at 13 knots, gusting to 17 knots at the time of the accident. The pilot reported that he was attempting to take off from runway 24. Approximately 200 feet down the runway he prematurely lifted the tailwheel of his airplane and lost directional control. The airplane veered to the left, exited the runway, and struck a runway light. The right main gear separated from the airplane and the right wing collided with the ground. During the accident sequence, the airplane incurred substantial damage to the right wing and fuselage. The nearest airport's weather observation system reported wind from 170 degrees at 13 knots, gusting to 17 knots, at the time of the accident. Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database Retrieved: 2026-02-12

NTSB Findings

Hierarchical cause / factor breakdown from the FAA bulk avdata database. Each finding tagged C (Cause) or F (Factor).

• C Aircraft-Aircraft oper/perf/capability-Performance/control parameters-Directional control-Not attained/maintained - C
• C Personnel issues-Action/decision-Info processing/decision-Decision making/judgment-Pilot - C
• C Personnel issues-Action/decision-Action-Incorrect action performance-Pilot - C