On May 30, 1987, a Cessna 140 (registration N1677V) operated by Robert L. Erickson was involved in an aviation accident near Sawyer, ND. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A commercial pilot and his wife were on a cross-country flight when their aircraft experienced an uncommanded left turn after selecting landing flaps, resulting in a collision with trees short of the runway.
Accident Description
A commercial pilot and his spouse were conducting a cross-country flight and had initiated an approach to a private airstrip for refueling. During the final approach segment, the pilot selected landing flaps. Shortly thereafter, the aircraft began an uncommanded left turn. The pilot was unable to correct the deviation, and the aircraft struck trees short of the intended landing area. The aircraft had completed approximately 90 degrees of left turn from the runway heading before impact.
Post-Accident Inspection
A post-accident examination of the aircraft revealed no evidence of any mechanical failure that could have contributed to the uncommanded turn or the subsequent collision.