Accident Overview
On October 4, 2025, at about 1645 eastern daylight time, a Bellanca 7GCBC, registered as N289PS, was substantially damaged when it impacted trees off the side of a turf runway near Reedville, Virginia. The pilot, who was the sole occupant, sustained minor injuries. The flight was conducted as a personal flight under Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91.
Pilot Account
According to the pilot, he advanced the throttle for takeoff and the airplane began traveling down the runway. He could not recall anything that occurred after that point until a bystander helped him from the wreckage. The airplane had impacted trees adjacent to the runway, resulting in substantial damage to the wings and fuselage.
Post-Accident Examination
The day after the accident, the pilot and a mechanic examined the airplane and found no evidence of any mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation. Several days later, the pilot reported that he had fainted during the takeoff attempt and that he was in the hospital for testing to try to determine why he may have lost consciousness.