Accident Bellanca 7ECA N2598Z, Sunday 2 April 1995

You can contribute by submitting additional or updated information.

Date:	Sunday 2 April 1995
Time:	11:46 LT
Type:	Bellanca 7ECA
Owner/operator:	Private
Registration:	N2598Z
MSN:	1222-77
Total airframe hrs:	3533 hours
Engine model:	Lycoming O-235-C1
Fatalities:	Fatalities: 0 / Occupants: 2
Other fatalities:	0
Aircraft damage:	Substantial
Category:	Accident
Location:	Higginsville, MO - United States of America
Phase:	Take off
Nature:	Private
Departure airport:
Destination airport:	Warrensburg, MO
Investigating agency:	NTSB
Confidence Rating:	Accident investigation report completed and information captured

Narrative:
THE PILOT ATTEMPTED TO TAKEOFF FROM A GRASS RUNWAY WITH A DIRECT 10 TO 12 KNOT CROSSWIND. HE STATED 'A GUST OF WIND PUT US AIRBORNE MUCH BEFORE I WAS READY TO BRING UP THE TAIL...BLEW US COMPLETELY OFF THE RUNWAY.' THE LANDING GEAR CAUGHT THE TOP STRAND OF A BARBED WIRE FENCE. THE PILOT REPORTED THE AIRPLANE PULLED UP ABOUT 1,000 FEET OF FENCE BEFORE THE AIRPLANE WAS PULLED BACK TO THE GROUND.

Probable Cause: the pilot's inadequate compensation for wind conditions during the attempted takeoff. The gusty crosswind was a factor.

Accident investigation: