NTSB Factual Report

The pilot of the tailwheel-equipped airplane reported that during the takeoff roll the airplane abruptly turned about 25 degrees to the left. He reduced the power to idle, applied right rudder, but reported that he over corrected to the right. He then applied left rudder to correct for the over correction. The airplane veered off the runway to the left, down an embankment and nosed over, which resulted in substantial damage to the empennage.

According to the pilot there were no preimpact mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airframe or engine that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's failure to maintain direction control during the takeoff roll, which resulted in runway excursion, collision with terrain, and nose over.