Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to perform an adequate preflight inspection of the aircraft, which resulted in a takeoff with the control wheel lock installed.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The private pilot was on takeoff roll when he observed the aircraft would not rotate. He aborted the takeoff; however, the aircraft overran the runway, and nosed over. The pilot reported that he did not remove the control wheel lock prior to takeoff.
Source record
Factual narrative
On March 11, 1995, at 1130 central standard time, a Cessna 182P, N6236F, nosed over following an aborted takeoff at the Shelby County Airport, in Alabaster, Alabama. The private pilot was not injured, and the aircraft was substantially damaged. The aircraft was operated under the provisions of 14 CFR Part 91 by Dr. Patrick L. Mills, of Birmingham, Alabama. Visual meteorological conditions existed at the time, and no flight plan was on file for the local, personal flight. The flight was originating at the time of the accident. The pilot reported that during the takeoff roll, the aircraft would not rotate. He aborted the takeoff, and could not stop the aircraft in the remaining runway distance. The aircraft departed the runway, and nosed over. The pilot reported that he inadvertently attempted the takeoff with the control wheel lock installed. -