NTSB Factual Report

The tailwheel airplane swerved to the left during initial takeoff roll, impacting a bush and tree before coming to rest. The pilot reported that he was departing from a private grass airstrip at the time of the accident. The pilot stated that during the takeoff roll the airplane "deviated to the left for unknown reasons." The pilot reported that "rudder inputs were unable to bring the aircraft back onto the grass runway before the left wingtip clipped a bush." The pilot stated that the airplane "continued further left, and the left wings struck a tree." The winds were reported to be calm at the time of the accident. The tailwheel assembly, brake system, and flight controls were examined and no pre-impact anomalies were found.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the takeoff roll. The bush and tree were factors to the accident.