As the airplane was accelerating down the runway for departure approaching a rotation speed around 50 to 60 knots, the nose began to rise. The pilot then retarded the throttles to the idle position after smelling what he believed was a burning electrical odor. The landing gear collapsed and the airplane skid to a stop. An examination performed by a mechanic revealed no mechanical malfunctions or anomalies with the electrical system or landing gear. There was no evidence of an electrical overheat condition or fire. Upon activation of the system, the landing gear operated as designed in both extension and retraction. The landing gear is operated by an electric motor. If the landing gear selector handle was in the retracted position, during rotation, as the weight came off the wheels, the landing gear system would retract.

The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident as follows:

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