On July 14, 1995, at 2330 central daylight time, a Bellanca BL17- 30, N6566V, was substantially damaged when the left main landing gear collapsed while taking off from Springfield Regional Airport, Springfield, Missouri. The commercial certificated pilot and passenger reported no injuries. The 14 CFR Part 91 flight had an intended destination of Anniston, Alabama. The flight operated without a flight plan in visual meteorological conditions. The pilot reported the left main landing gear collapsed during the takeoff roll at approximately 70 miles per hour. The left wing contacted the ground and the airplane veered off the runway where it came to rest. Postaccident examination and testing were performed on the landing gear. The landing gear functioned properly during a retraction test and no mechanical abnormalities were revealed. The airplane logbook shows the last inspection was an annual inspection performed on February 13, 1995. The airplane has logged 40 hours since the inspection. A retraction test was completed during this last annual and the gear were found to be functioning properly.