On April 2, 1995, a Bellanca 7ECA (registration N2598Z) was involved in an aviation accident near Higginsville, MO. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during takeoff in gusty crosswind conditions, which resulted in the aircraft leaving the runway and striking a fence. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
During a takeoff attempt from a grass runway with a direct crosswind, gusts lifted the aircraft prematurely. The plane veered off the pavement, caught a barbed wire fence, and was dragged before coming to rest.
What happened
The pilot initiated a takeoff roll on a grass surface while facing a direct crosswind of 10 to 12 knots. During the acceleration phase, sudden gusts of wind caused the aircraft to become airborne significantly earlier than intended. Unable to maintain directional control or bring up the tail as planned, the aircraft drifted off the side of the runway.
As it left the paved area, the landing gear struck the top strand of a nearby barbed wire fence. The impact caught the fence line, and the aircraft was dragged along the ground for approximately 1,000 feet before the tension released and the airplane settled back onto the surface.
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during takeoff in gusty crosswind conditions, which resulted in the aircraft leaving the runway and striking a fence.
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