What happened
During the takeoff phase, an airport security guard observed the airplane bounce three times before it veered to the right. During the final bounce, the guard noted sparks emitting from the aircraft.
At approximately 0300 hours, another security guard stationed at the airport's east gate intercepted two men running across the airfield. The guard identified these individuals as the pilot/owner and a passenger. Upon interaction, the guard detected the odor of alcohol on both men. The pilot informed the guard that he and his companion had been drinking at a nearby beach and were heading back to their motor home, which was parked near the airport. The guard also noted a radio transceiver inside a bag being carried by the pair.
The investigation
The aircraft wreckage was located beside the runway. Investigators found that the nose wheel assembly had buckled rearward, a condition that allowed the nose and propeller of the aircraft to strike the runway surface. As a result of this impact, the tips of the propeller blades were ground off.