Incident Sequence
During the takeoff roll at Huntsville Airport, the aircraft accelerated and reached V1 speed. At that point, the pilot-in-command commenced the rotation. As the nose began to rise, the nose gear retracted. The airplane then sank forward onto its nose, sliding along the runway for several yards. It overran the runway end and continued until it came to rest 300 feet beyond the runway edge.
Occupant Evacuation
All 16 occupants on board were evacuated safely from the aircraft following the incident.
Aircraft Damage
The aircraft sustained damage that rendered it beyond repair.
Probable Cause
The official probable cause of the accident was determined to be the retraction of the nose gear during takeoff for an undetermined reason.