Incident Overview
During takeoff, the aircraft became airborne to approximately 6 feet above ground level and traveled about 100 feet. When the pilot pushed forward on the control column, the aircraft settled back onto the runway. During the subsequent roll, the horizontal stabilizer struck a runway light.
Pilot Statement
The pilot maintained that a nose gear malfunction occurred. However, post-accident examination revealed that the crack found in the nose gear was a result of the accident, not a pre-existing condition.
Flight Check Findings
Following the incident, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) conducted a flight check with the pilot. The FAA reported that during the takeoff roll, the pilot used only the ailerons for crosswind corrections. The rudders and nose wheel steering were not utilized.
Investigation Conclusion
The investigation determined that the nose gear crack was consequential to the accident. No other causal factors were identified in the official report.