Cardinal 177/177RG
Flight Crew Private
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 10; Flight Crew Total 619; Flight Crew Type 300
Workload; Situational Awareness
Aircraft Equipment Problem Critical; Ground Event / Encounter Ground Strike - Aircraft
Aircraft Aircraft Damaged; Flight Crew Took Evasive Action; General Maintenance Action; General Flight Cancelled / Delayed
Aircraft
I conducted preflight in accordance with checklist and prepared for flight. Normal startup and taxi to run up ramp. Conducted run-up and everything checked out okay. Set up for normal takeoff. Pulled out onto the runway and added full power. Airplane was accelerating on center line and approximately 500 feet down the runway; the nose began to drop down. I cut power and the nose dropped to the ground and airplane came to stop near right edge of runway. Notified FBO who sent crew to assist in removing airplane from runway.
C177 pilot departing a non-towered airport reported the nose gear collapsed during takeoff.