On September 2, 1995, at 1305 eastern standard time (est), a Mooney M20C, N7171U, operated by a private pilot sustained substantial damage during takeoff from runway 27 (6,501' x 150' dry/asphalt), at Gogebic City Airport, Ironwood, Michigan. The pilot and one passenger reported no injuries. The personal 14 CFR Part 91 flight was operating in visual meteorological conditions. No flight plan was on file. The flight was on departure at the time of the accident, intended destination was Paragould, Arkansas. The pilot reported he taxied the airplane to the end of runway 27 and performed an engine run-up. He stated that at this time there was nothing between his seat and the passenger's seat. The pilot began the takeoff roll and lifted off. He stated that immediately after takeoff, the passenger asked him if he wanted the map. The pilot told the passenger that he would need it, but not right now. The passenger then placed the map between the seats for the pilot's future use. The pilot reported that as he tried to retract and lock the landing gear with the gear handle, he noticed the handle would not lock down into place because the map was in the way. The pilot released the handle, threw the map in the back seat, and reached for the handle again. In the meantime, the landing gear had lowered, the airplane pitched down and impacted the runway. The pilot's recommendation as to how the accident could have been prevented was: "By not taking my eyes off [the] runway."