What happened
During the takeoff phase, the pilot rotated the Cessna (type not specified in source) and experienced a violent pitch-up. This resulted in a loss of control as the aircraft climbed to approximately 200 feet. Although the pilot managed to regain control of the aircraft, an emergency landing was required. During the landing, the aircraft collided with the runway and veered off the right side of the departure end of the runway.
The investigation
An FAA inspector examined the aircraft and discovered that the nose gear strut had punctured through the forward bulkhead and the cockpit instrument panel. An examination of the stabilator trim revealed that one of the two bolts required on the stabilator trim arm was missing.
Review of the aircraft logbooks indicated that the most recent 100-hour inspection was completed on November 29, 2005. Maintenance records also showed that a repair had been performed on the stabilator, and the aircraft had flown 13 flight hours since that repair prior to the accident.