# NTSB DEN87FA090: Bellanca 7GCBC, N88177, Berthold, ND, April 7, 1987

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Field investigation · Final report
- Date: April 7, 1987, 18:40 local (23:40 UTC)
- Place: Berthold, ND
- Coordinates: 48.309158, -101.729598 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=48.3092&lon=-101.7296&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 1 fatal
- Status: Completed, report May 27, 1988
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 17102
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=DEN87FA090
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/17102/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN87FA090

## Analysis

THE PLT TOOK OFF TO THE EAST FROM A FARM DRIVEWAY TO RETURN HOME. WITNESSES SAW THE AIRPLANE MAKE AN IMMEDIATE RIGHT TURN, FOLLOWED BY A LEFT TURN AT APRX 35-50 FT AGL. THE ACFT APPROACHED THE FARM AT APRX 50-100 FT AGL. THE ACFT SUDDENLY PULLED UP, BANKED RIGHT, ROLLED INVERTED, AND CRASHED IN AN OPEN PLOWED FIELD. WITNESSES SAID IT APPEARED THE PLT DID NOT SEE AN ANTENNA MOUNTED ON TOP OF A GRAIN BIN AND MAY HAVE BEEN TRYING TO AVOID HITTING IT. THE PLT HAD FLOWN INTO THE FARM BEFORE AND WAS SAID TO BE AN ACCOMPLISHED AEROBATIC PILOT AND AERIAL APPLICATOR.

## Sequence of events

In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf).

- Abrupt maneuver, maneuvering
  - low pass - intentional, pilot in command (cause)
  - overconfidence in personal ability, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - visual lookout - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
  - inattentive, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - pull-up - performed, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - aerobatics - performed, pilot in command (cause)
  - panic, pilot in command (contributing factor)
- Loss of control - in flight, maneuvering
  - stall - inadvertent, pilot in command (cause)
  - altitude - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled
  - terrain condition - open field

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N88177](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N88177-2013-05-15), registration cancelled 2013-05-15, S/N 712-74, built 1974 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: BELLANCA 7GCBC
- Registry model: [Bellanca 7GCBC](https://openairdocs.org/model/bellanca-7gcbc) (registry code 1220601) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming 0-320 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-320-series) (registry code 41508, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 712-74
- Engines: LYCOMING O-320-A2D 150 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Fire: On-Ground
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Terry F. Haskins
- Registered owner: Haskins, Terry F
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal; Standard, Utility; Standard, Aerobatic
- Destination: ND26, KENMARE, ND

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 30; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 2, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: front; toxicology performed; flight hours: 1,550 total, 50 in the last 90 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 190° at 9 knots
- Visibility: 20 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 70 °F, dew point 30 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: MOT, 23 nm away

## FAA reports on this event (1)

The FAA's own accident and incident reports, matched to the aircraft by N-number and date (OpenAirDocs).

- [Accident 19870407011859A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19870407011859A), Apr 7, 1987: Bbavia 7GCBC, Berthold, ND, Destroyed, 1 fatal. The aircraft impacted trees while attempting an aileron roll after takeoff.

From the NTSB's public API. Aircraft are matched to registry aircraft by N-number and event date; the registry's history has gaps, so older matches can be wrong. Compare the reported make and model.

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