Incident Overview
The airplane was departing from runway 28, a 6,501-foot-long, 150-foot-wide asphalt runway. According to the pilot, the initial takeoff roll was normal, but the yoke felt extremely heavy and stiff. The airplane lifted off the runway, then bounced and contacted the runway in a nose-down position. The nose gear subsequently collapsed, and the airplane slid to a stop.
Examination and Findings
Post-incident examination of the airplane revealed no mechanical malfunctions. The elevator trim cable chain was found separated; however, the trim cable was properly oriented, and the trim tab moved appropriately when the respective trim cable was pulled by hand. Due to impact damage and the separated trim cable chain, the airplane's pitch trim setting during the takeoff could not be confirmed.
Pilot Experience
The pilot reported a total of 190 hours of flight experience, including 27 hours in the same make and model as the accident airplane.
Weather Conditions
Wind conditions reported at the airport about the time of the accident were from 260 degrees at 8 knots, gusting to 20 knots.