Amateur-built RANS DSG INC S21 OUT N46ST accident near Springer, New Mexico

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during takeoff, which resulted in a collision with an obstacle.

NTSB analysis

The pilot of the tail wheel equipped airplane reported that, during takeoff in a left crosswind, as the tail came up the pilot applied right rudder, but the airplane veered left. After the airplane lifted off the runway the pilot banked left to avoid a windmill in his flight path; however, the tailwheel struck a stock tank. The pilot immediately cut the engine power and the airplane touched down in a left slip folding the left main landing gear under the airplane, which resulted in substantial damage to the left wing and horizontal stabilizer.

The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR25LA019 for the full record.