Small Aircraft; Low Wing; 1 Eng; Fixed Gear
Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Distraction; Situational Awareness
Aircraft Equipment Problem Less Severe; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy; Ground Event / Encounter Ground Strike - Aircraft
Aircraft Aircraft Damaged; Flight Crew Rejected Takeoff
Human Factors; Weather
Had issues starting engine at hangar. Reinstalled gust locks to check condition of batteries. Batteries checked ok; re-entered airplane; attempted successful start of engine and had good systems checks. Shut down; re-closed hangar; re-entered airplane; re-started and taxied to runup area. Again good checks. Took runway with 17 knots gusting to 28 headwinds and applied power.At 40 knots aborted takeoff because gust locks were still installed. At power reduction; encountered gust and aircraft attempted to lift off. With control stick motion restricted; the airplane porpoised and when nose gear hit runway; the nose wheel broke off nose strut. Propeller impacted the runway and shattered.Evacuated the airplane after a call to tower. Tower had advised that fluid was leaking from the belly. I returned and found that tank drain was partially open; probably from nose wheel touching it in passing. Made verbal reports to NTSB and airport OPS. Towed aircraft to hangar with assistance from FBO Lectro Tug. At hangar gave statement to FAA.Distraction from starting issues started the sequence. Re-secured gust locks before successfully starting engine. Windy conditions necessitated use of gust locks unless controls firmly in hand/foot. Did not complete standard pre-departure brief the second time after the interruption. Pilot error.
After engine starting issues at the hangar the gust locks are re installed during trouble shooting by the pilot of a small aircraft. The second start attempt is successful but the gust locks are forgotten about until 40 knots in the takeoff roll and the takeoff is rejected. With limited elevator control porpoising commences and cannot be controlled. The nose gear separates and the propeller contacts the runway.