NTSB Factual Report

The private pilot was on takeoff roll from a 4,208 foot long paved runway. At rotation speed the yoke was unresponsive and the pilot was unable to pull the yoke back for lift off. The pilot said he immediately looked down and confirmed that the gust lock was not installed and aborted the takeoff. The airplane exited the runway at the departure end and the pilot performed an intentional ground loop to avoid crashing through the airport boundary fence. There was substantial damage to the airplane, but no injuries to the private pilot, who was the only occupant. The two FAA inspectors who responded to the accident scene confirmed continuity of the flight controls and did not find any pre-impact anomalies that would have prevented normal operations.

NTSB Probable Cause

A temporary loss of elevator pitch control for undetermined reasons.