NTSB Factual Report

The pilot reported that he was taking off on runway 34 in a tailwheel equipped airplane. He lifted the tail during the roll, and shortly thereafter, the airplane turned sharply to the left. The pilot applied right rudder and left aileron control deflection, then applied right brake and reduced the throttle to idle. The airplane departed the left side of the runway and struck a midfield windsock pole, damaging the left gear. The left wing contacted the ground and the airplane slid into a cattle fence, causing substantial damage to the fuselage. The pilot reported that there were no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airframe or engine. He added that the winds were from 290 degrees at 7 miles per hour. In the section titled RECOMMENDATION (How could this accident have been prevented) of the pilot's written report (NTSB Pilot/Operator Report, Form 6120.1), the pilot stated that he could have kept the tail on the ground longer for better directional control. He also thought that he could have departed from runway 16 with a slight tailwind, but with a right crosswind to counteract left turning tendencies.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's inadequate compensation for the crosswind condition and failure to maintain directional control.