This August 2009 accident report is provided by the National Transportation Safety Board. Published as an educational tool, it is intended to help pilots learn from the misfortunes of others.
Aircraft: Jabiru J230-SP. Injuries: None. Location: Reno, Nev. Aircraft damage: Substantial.
What reportedly happened: The pilot was attempting to take off for a local flight. During the takeoff roll, the nose of the airplane rose up and blocked the runway centerline markings. The airplane drifted to the left edge of the runway, and went off the pavement. The nose landing gear assembly, left and right main landing gear assemblies, fuselage, and wing were damaged.
Probable cause: The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control throughout the takeoff roll.
For more information: NTSB.gov NTSB Identification: WPR09CA404
About the tjme we become complacent, the big bad bird will jump up and bite us. Happens always at most inopportune time, w/o fail.
Bob Daszy