NTSB Factual Report

During the takeoff roll on runway 5, the pilot began to drift left of the runway centerline. The pilot stated that he applied right rudder, then the airplane turned sharply right "as if I overcorrected to the right." The pilot responded by pulling the throttle to idle. The airplane continued to veer onto the grass on the right side of the runway edge and down an embankment. As the airplane passed through a small culvert, the nose gear collapsed and the airplane came to rest in a drainage ditch. Examination of the airplane by a Federal Aviation Administration inspector revealed substantial damage to the airplane and no evidence of any mechanical abnormalities. Winds about the time of the accident were 320 degrees at 9 knots, gusting to 18 knots.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during takeoff. Contributing to the accident were gusting crosswinds.