What happened
The pilot reported that the aircraft's nose felt unusually heavy just prior to rotation during the takeoff roll. As the aircraft became airborne, the pilot sensed an issue with the tail section and noted an inability to obtain full elevator response. Consequently, the pilot decided to abort the takeoff and bring the aircraft back to the ground.
Upon landing, the aircraft rolled nose-low for a distance of approximately 300 to 400 feet. The pilot attempted to maintain full up elevator input while applying moderate braking to slow the aircraft. During the final 30 to 50 feet of the rollout, the propeller made numerous ground strikes. The aircraft eventually came to rest after its wheels struck a depression in the terrain, causing the nose to overturn.
The investigation
A post-accident examination of the aircraft revealed no mechanical discrepancies that would explain the reported control issues. The pilot stated that the elevator trim was set in the center (takeoff) position prior to the flight.