Casualties unknown

1982-08-27: Piper PA-12 (N7715H) — Lee Ruhn — Oakes, ND

Oakes, ND, US

On August 27, 1982, a Piper PA-12 (registration N7715H) operated by Lee Ruhn was involved in an aviation accident near Oakes, ND. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 1781061362Data APIEditorial standards

Witnesses reported an aircraft flying low for blackbird control over a sunflower field. It was seen pulling up, making a steep turn near the pilot's home, then colliding with a house and bursting into flames. Corn and an Avitrol bag were found at the crash site.

Incident Overview

Multiple witnesses reported that the purpose of the flight was blackbird control over a sunflower field. Local residents speculated that the aircraft was being used to spread poisoned corn; this was substantiated when corn and a portion of an Avitrol bag were later found at the crash site.

Flight Sequence

During the flight, the aircraft was observed flying at low altitude. It then pulled up over a row of trees north of the accident site. Proceeding south toward the town of Oakes, North Dakota, the aircraft made a steep turn in the vicinity of the pilot's home. Witnesses stated that the aircraft was just above the rooftops and seemed to settle before colliding with a house.

Post-Impact

After impact, the aircraft burst into flame. The aircraft and a portion of the house were destroyed by impact and fire.

Investigation

The investigation confirmed the presence of corn and an Avitrol bag at the scene, supporting the purpose of blackbird control. No further details about the aircraft, pilot, or cause were provided in the source.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20020917X03226. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.