On April 7, 1987, a Bellanca 7GCBC (registration N88177) operated by Terry F. Haskins was involved in an aviation accident near Berthold, ND. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A pilot taking off from a farm driveway crashed after a series of turns and an inverted roll, witnesses reporting possible avoidance of an antenna on a grain bin.
Accident Overview
A pilot departed from a farm driveway heading east with the intention of returning home. Shortly after takeoff, the aircraft executed an immediate right turn, followed by a left turn at an altitude of approximately 35 to 50 feet above ground level (AGL). The aircraft then approached the farm at an altitude of roughly 50 to 100 feet AGL. Suddenly, the aircraft pulled up, banked right, rolled inverted, and crashed into an open plowed field.
Witness Observations
Witnesses reported that the pilot may not have seen an antenna mounted on top of a grain bin and might have been attempting to avoid hitting it. The sequence of maneuvers leading to the crash appeared to be a sudden evasive action.
Pilot Background
The pilot had flown into the farm previously and was described by witnesses as an accomplished aerobatic pilot and aerial applicator.