Accident Cessna 140 N76981, Monday 13 March 1995

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Date:	Monday 13 March 1995
Time:	18:30 LT
Type:	Cessna 140
Owner/operator:	Private
Registration:	N76981
MSN:	11427
Total airframe hrs:	2924 hours
Engine model:	Continental C-85-12
Fatalities:	Fatalities: 0 / Occupants: 2
Other fatalities:	0
Aircraft damage:	Substantial
Category:	Accident
Location:	Fentress, TX - United States of America
Phase:	Take off
Nature:	Private
Departure airport:
Destination airport:	San Marcos, TX (T98)
Investigating agency:	NTSB
Confidence Rating:	Accident investigation report completed and information captured

Narrative:
DURING TAKEOFF FROM A PRIVATE AIRSTRIP, THE AIRPLANE COLLIDED WITH A COW. THE PILOT HAD JUST LANDED TO THE NORTH AND TAXIED TO THE SOUTH END OF THE STRIP IN ORDER TO BOARD A PASSENGER. HE THEN PROCEEDED TO TAKEOFF TO THE NORTH. THE AIRSTRIP IS LOCATED ON A HILLSIDE WITH A PRONOUNCED 'CROWN' AT ITS MIDPOINT INHIBITING THE PILOT'S VIEW OF THE OTHER END.

Probable Cause: THE SUDDEN MOVEMENT OF AN ANIMAL INTO THE PATH OF THE AIRCRAFT DURING TAKEOFF ROLL. FACTORS WERE THE INABILITY OF THE PILOT TO ESTABLISH A VISUAL LOOKOUT DOWN THE RUNWAY DUE TO THE RUNWAY'S 'CROWNED' MIDPOINT.

Accident investigation: