Small Aircraft; High Wing; 1 Eng; Fixed Gear
Flight Crew Instrument; Flight Crew Flight Instructor; Flight Crew Commercial
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 114; Flight Crew Total 1187; Flight Crew Type 51
Situational Awareness; Confusion; Training / Qualification
Aircraft Equipment Problem Less Severe; Ground Event / Encounter Ground Strike - Aircraft; Ground Event / Encounter Loss Of Aircraft Control; Ground Excursion Runway
Aircraft Aircraft Damaged; General Maintenance Action
Aircraft; Human Factors
Upon beginning the take-off roll it seemed as if I had full power from the engine but the aircraft did not seem to be accelerating normally. I decided to abort the takeoff and reduced power. While slowing down the aircraft veered sharply to the right and full left rudder did not seem to be effective. I rolled into the dirt between the runways and at the last second the aircraft nosed over causing the propeller to strike the dirt. There was little other damage to the aircraft. Upon further reflection; I believe that the 'brake hold lever' was the reason for this incident. While waiting for takeoff I used the brake hold lever to maintain my position in line. When it was my turn to take-off I taxied seemingly normally onto the runway (position and hold) and then was released for take-off. Prior to the aircraft being towed off the dirt area I checked the brake hold lever and it was still 'On.' I believe that the brake hold lever was probably unevenly holding more right brake than left causing uncontrollable veering to the right. The labels for the brake hold lever are not easily visible from the pilot or co-pilot seats so it is easy to forget which position is 'On' and which is 'Off.' Moving the pedals a certain amount should automatically release the brake hold or give the pilot a warning.
Pipistrel Sinus Pilot reported failure to release brake level at takeoff resulted in runway excursion with loss of control.