Pilot Reports Takeoff Abort Attempt After Forgetting to Remove Gust Lock Bolt

Incident Overview

According to the pilot's report, during the takeoff roll he realized that he had not removed a bolt he had placed in the yoke as a gust lock. He subsequently attempted to abort the takeoff. A crosswind then pushed the airplane off the right side of the runway into the grass, where it impacted trees. The airplane sustained substantial damage to both wings and the empennage.

Pilot's Account

The pilot stated that the accident was due to his failure to remove the bolt from the yoke. He reported no pre-impact mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airframe or engine that would have precluded normal operation.

Damage Assessment

Both wings and the empennage of the airplane sustained substantial damage as a result of the impact with trees. No other details regarding the extent of damage or other aircraft components were provided.