NTSB Factual Report

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.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during takeoff.