Globe GC-1B N3348K accident near Clyo, Georgia

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain a proper aircraft pitch attitude during the takeoff roll, which allowed the tailwheel to contact the grass runway and increase drag on the airplane.

NTSB analysis

The pilot and pilot-rated passenger were departing in a tailwheel-equipped airplane from the grass runway. The pilot reported that the engine lost power after the airplane broke ground with the runway. He pulled back on the control yoke to avoid striking departure end trees head-on; however, the airplane collided with the trees past the departure end of the runway. The passenger reported a lack of acceleration during the initial climb, that the engine rpm was about 2,650 to 2,700, and engine sounds were normal. A video taken of the takeoff roll indicated that the pilot allowed the tailwheel to drop back down and contact the grass for about three seconds before the video ended. The engine sound on the video was consistent with normal engine operation. A postaccident examination of the engine and airframe did not reveal any evidence of a mechanical malfunction or failure.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA10LA483 for the full record.