20260805010219I

This event began as a high speed taxi test of the landing gear following repairs for a wheel shimmy. The airman was not intending to fly and did not perform a full preflight inspection. The aircraft was taxied to and entered the runway for a high speed taxi test. Power was added to accelerate and as the speed increased, the aircraft inadvertently became airborne despite reported nose down input on the control stick. The airman reduced engine power to stop climbing, at which point the aircraft nosed over and began descending toward the ground. The airman then added power again and applied nose up elevator input on the control stick. The aircraft began to recover from the dive but was too low and struck the ground. Initial impact was in the grass off the right side of the runway. The airman reported the engine was still producing power after impact, which pushed the aircraft and it slid across the grass and back onto the runway. When the aircraft stopped sliding on the runway, the airman shut down the engine and exited the aircraft. The impact caused substantial damage to the left main landing gear, belly panels, and surrounding structure. The fuel tank was ruptured and leaked on the runway. Continuity of primary flight controls and flaps was confirmed during an FAA inspection. The airman reported no known mechanical problems prior to attempting the high speed taxi. The wings were removed from the aircraft and it was transported to a hangar for storage.