ERA12CA283

Factual narrative

The pilot stated that at the time of the accident the windsock depicted the wind to be from 210 degrees at 8 knots. Based on that indication he elected to depart from runway 28, and back taxied the tailwheel equipped airplane to the approach end of runway 28. He aligned the longitudinal axis of the airplane with the runway, then applied power. The tail raised during the takeoff roll, and several hundred feet later the airplane began veering to the left. He attempted to correct with right brake but was unsuccessful. The airplane departed the south side of the runway and came to rest upright with the right main landing gear separated. Structural damage to the right wing and right horizontal stabilizer was observed. Postaccident inspection of the right main landing gear by a Federal Aviation Administration airworthiness inspector revealed no evidence of preimpact failure or malfunction. The pilot stated that the wind at the airport was from 210 degrees at 8 knots, and he elected to depart from runway 28. He aligned the airplane with the runway, and applied power. The tail rose during the takeoff roll, and several hundred feet later the airplane began veering to the left. The pilot attempted to correct with right brake but was unsuccessful. The airplane departed the south side of the runway and came to rest upright with the right main landing gear separated and structural damage to the right wing and right horizontal stabilizer. Postaccident examination revealed no evidence of preimpact failure or malfunction that would have precluded normal operation. 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