Originally Posted by
Pilot DAR
The tailwheel locking pin can also be sheared during careless ground handling with a tow bar.
If that is the case you would have noticed during taxi.
Take off without a locking pin is possible if you would know it. If not the moment you add power the aircraft would turn due p-factor.
(About my experience. 1.500 hours in it's little brother the BE-18 including as an instructor and a couple of hours in the DC-3)