Casualties unknown

1983-02-26: Bellanca 7GCBC (N7917S) — Havre, MT

Havre, MT, US

On February 26, 1983, a Bellanca 7GCBC (registration N7917S) was involved in an aviation accident near Havre, MT. 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

During a takeoff from a farm dirt strip, the left main gear entered mud, pulling the aircraft left into frozen dirt piles and wheat furrows, causing the right main gear to collapse.

Incident Overview

A pilot reported that while taking off from a dirt strip on his farm to check on cattle, the aircraft veered left after the left main landing gear entered muddy terrain. The aircraft subsequently struck frozen dirt piles and wheat furrows, leading to the collapse of the right main gear. No mechanical malfunctions or failures were reported prior to the accident.

Sequence of Events

The pilot initiated takeoff from the unpaved strip. During the takeoff roll, the left main gear encountered mud, which caused the aircraft to pull to the left. The aircraft then contacted frozen dirt piles and wheat furrows, resulting in the collapse of the right main landing gear. The pilot stated that there were no pre-accident mechanical issues with the aircraft.

Aircraft and Operational Context

The exact aircraft type, registration, and date were not specified in the report. The flight was intended for aerial observation of livestock. The takeoff surface was a dirt strip on the pilot's farm. No information was provided regarding the pilot's experience, weather conditions, or time of day.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001214X42190. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.