Primary finding
Probable cause
The student pilot’s failure to maintain pitch control during an aborted takeoff.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The solo student pilot reported that he landed uneventfully and then taxied to the runup area. He called his flight instructor, opened a new flight plan, then taxied to the runway for departure. During the takeoff roll, about the time of rotation, he felt the airplane shudder. Subsequently, he chose to abort the takeoff. During the aborted takeoff, the airplane porpoised, and the nose landing gear collapsed. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage. The student reported that there were no preimpact mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airframe or engine that would have precluded normal operation.
Source record
Factual narrative
The solo student pilot reported that he landed uneventfully and then taxied to the runup area. He called his flight instructor, opened a new flight plan, then taxied to the runway for departure. During the takeoff roll, about the time of rotation, he felt the airplane shutter. Subsequently he elected to abort the takeoff. During the aborted takeoff, the airplane porpoised and the nose landing gear collapsed. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage. According to the student pilot there were no preimpact mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airframe or engine that would have precluded normal operation.