Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot's improper use of the flight controls during takeoff which resulted in the inflight collision with the ground.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
While attempting a takeoff, the pilot's flight control inputs resulted in a series of porpoises after the airplane had climbed about eight feet above the ground. According to the pilot, during the forth oscillation the nose wheel and propeller assemblies struck the paved runway surface, and subsequently collapsed the nose gear. Examination of the aircraft failed to disclose a mechanical malfunction or component failure.
Source record
Factual narrative
On March 17, 1995, at 1530 central standard time, a Cessna 182, N1815X, nose gear assembly collapsed during an attempted takeoff from runway 01 at the John C. Tune Airport, Nashville, Tennessee. The personal flight operated under the provisions of 14 CFR Part 91 with no flight plan filed. Visual weather conditions prevailed at the time of the accident. The airplane sustained substantial damage; the pilot and passenger were not injured. The accident occurred during the initial takeoff attempt. According to the pilot, during the takeoff attempt, the airplane entered a series of pilot induced oscillations (porpoise) over the runway. The airplane initially climbed to eight feet and started a series of porpoises which terminated in the airplane colliding with the runway. During the collision, the nose gear collapsed, and the airplane skidded off the right side of the runway. An examination of the airplane failed to disclose a component failure or malfunction. -