Accident Bellanca 7GCBC N8643V, Friday 3 February 1995

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Date:	Friday 3 February 1995
Time:	10:00 LT
Type:	Bellanca 7GCBC
Owner/operator:	Private
Registration:	N8643V
MSN:	817-75
Year of manufacture:	1975
Engine model:	Lycoming O-320
Fatalities:	Fatalities: 0 / Occupants: 1
Other fatalities:	0
Aircraft damage:	Substantial
Category:	Accident
Location:	San Martin, CA - United States of America
Phase:	Take off
Nature:	Private
Departure airport:	(Q99)
Destination airport:	Merced, CA (KMCE)
Investigating agency:	NTSB
Confidence Rating:	Accident investigation report completed and information captured

Narrative:
THE PILOT WAS INITIATING A TAKEOFF AT A CLOSED, GRASS AIRSTRIP WHEN THE AIRCRAFT WING CLIPPED A SMALL BUSH. THE PILOT COULD NOT ATTAIN FLYING SPEED AND THE AIRCRAFT CAME TO REST IN A GULLY, NORTH OF THE AIRSTRIP. THE PILOT REPORTED NO MECHANICAL FAILURES WITH THE AIRCRAFT.

Probable Cause: the failure of the pilot to attain takeoff speed and maintain directional control from a grass airstrip and his improper preflight of the runway for obstructions.

Accident investigation: