NTSB Factual Report

The pilot of the tailwheel equipped airplane reported that during the takeoff roll from a grass airstrip, the airplane straddled an irrigation pipe on the east side to avoid a dip in the middle of the airstrip, impacted a sprinkler, and he lost directional control. The pilot further reported that the airplane veered left and impacted a fence, which resulted in a nose over and substantial damage to the left wing, empennage, and fuselage.

The pilot reported that 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 adequate clearance from ground equipment during takeoff, which resulted in an impact with irrigation pipes, a loss of directional control, an impact with a fence, and a nose over.