AO-1991-023

During a stream take-off the pilot of de Havilland Venom ZK-VNM was concentrating on the Mustang taking off ahead of him. He attempted to raise the nosewheel of the aircraft at the normal point, but without success. He did not check engine rpm at this time because of preoccupation with the lead aircraft. He wound on some nose-up trim and raised the nose but realised that he could now neither continue the take-off successfully nor stop before the end of the runway. In the event he decided to land straight ahead. The aircraft was substantially damaged but the pilot was uninjured and after shutting down the engine he vacated the aircraft without difficulty.