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Aircraft Crashes After Low-Altitude Maneuvers (N3168G)

Genoa City, WI, US

On January 2, 1983, a North American T-6G (registration N3168G) was involved in an aviation accident near Genoa City, WI. 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 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

The aircraft flew tree-top level with gear retracted, landed, then after 15 minutes took off, retracted gear, and performed steep banks between tree-top and 500 ft AGL. A witness described the second bank as a barrel roll. The aircraft never recovered and descended rapidly.

Pre-Accident and Takeoff

Before the accident, the aircraft was observed flying over the airport at tree-top altitude with the landing gear retracted. The aircraft then landed and stayed on the ground for about 15 minutes. Following this, the pilots took off in a westerly direction. Immediately after becoming airborne, the landing gear was retracted.

Maneuvers and Descent

The aircraft then flew at low altitudes, ranging from tree-top level to 500 feet above ground level, while executing steep banking maneuvers. A witness likened the second of these steep banks to a barrel roll. The aircraft never regained stable flight from this bank and instead descended rapidly, impacting the ground.

Loss of control in flight

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2 Jan 1983 North American T-6G accident near Genoa City, WI?

The aircraft flew tree-top level with gear retracted, landed, then after 15 minutes took off, retracted gear, and performed steep banks between tree-top and 500 ft AGL. A witness described the second bank as a barrel roll. The aircraft never recovered and descended rapidly.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2 Jan 1983 involved a North American T-6G, registration N3168G, at Genoa City, WI.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001214X41937. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.