Incident Overview
During the takeoff roll, the pilot rotated the airplane at 55 knots. The aircraft lifted off the runway slightly but struggled to gain airspeed and altitude. The pilot then lowered the nose to increase airspeed, causing the tires to contact the runway firmly. According to the pilot, the contact occurred in a flat attitude with the nose landing gear touching first, but the impact was not more severe than a hard landing.
Post-Contact Actions
After the firm contact, the pilot allowed the airspeed to increase and proceeded with a normal takeoff. Engine indications were normal, and control surfaces responded normally for the remainder of the flight.
Damage Discovered
Following the flight, maintenance personnel examined the airplane and discovered structural damage to the firewall and several airframe bulkheads.
Pilot Statement
The pilot stated that the airplane and engine experienced no mechanical failures or malfunctions during the flight.