Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to remove the gust lock prior to takeoff.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
According to the pilot, she did not perform a flight control check prior to takeoff. During the departure roll, when the airplane reached 70 miles per hour, she realized that the gust lock was still installed in the control column. She attempted to remove the device, but was unsuccessful. She reduced the engine power in an attempt to stop the airplane, but it continued off the end of the runway; the nose gear separated, and it came to rest in a dirt field. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the firewall and right wing.
Source record
Factual narrative
The pilot submitted a written statement. She said she did not conduct a control check prior to takeoff. During the departure roll when the airplane reached 70 miles per hour, she realized the gust lock was still installed. She attempted to remove it unsuccessfully and then reduced the throttle attempting to stop the airplane. The airplane went off the end of the runway, the nose gear separated, and it came to rest in a dirt field. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the firewall and right wing.