Preflight and Departure
A pilot completed the preflight inspection of the airplane while it was still inside a hangar. A maintenance technician then towed the airplane out of the hangar and connected an auxiliary power cart. The pilot boarded the airplane and proceeded to perform the normal checklist. After the pilot signaled for the power cart to be disconnected, the maintenance technician complied and subsequently signaled that the pilot was clear to start the engines.
Inflight Problem
After departure, the pilot identified an issue with the landing gear. The pilot determined that the tow bar used to move the airplane was likely still attached to the nosewheel. As a precaution, the pilot diverted to a nearby airport to land.
Landing and Damage
During the landing, the nose landing gear collapsed. The primary structure in the nose section of the airplane sustained substantial damage as a result.