Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot’s failure to maintain pitch control, which resulted in abnormal contact with the runway.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot reported that during the takeoff roll and after pulling the control stick back to initiate rotation, the airplane pulled off the ground quickly. Concerned the airplane would stall, the pilot then pushed the stick forward. The airplane’s nose lowered which resulted in the nosewheel contacting the runway surface and folding back. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the engine mount. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.