Casualties unknown

Low-Flying Aircraft Crashes After Steep Maneuvers (N9973Q)

North Loup, NE, US

On July 27, 1985, a Piper PA-18 (registration N9973Q) was involved in an aviation accident near North Loup, NE. 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 2026-06-10Data APIEditorial standards

A witness observed an aircraft practicing low-level swath runs over a corn field. After a final sharp pull-up, the aircraft rotated 180 degrees, descended near-vertically, and crashed, catching fire.

Accident Overview

A witness approximately half a mile from the crash site observed an aircraft flying low over a corn field. The aircraft's flight pattern resembled that of an agricultural aircraft performing swath runs, though the aircraft was not equipped for such operations. At the end of each pass, the aircraft was seen to pull up sharply.

Final Maneuver and Impact

After the last pull-up, the aircraft rotated 180 degrees at the top of the maneuver, then descended and struck the ground. The impact occurred in a near-vertical descent, according to evidence found during the wreckage examination. The aircraft burned and was demolished by fire.

Wreckage Examination

Examination of the wreckage revealed that the flight control connections were intact. No other mechanical anomalies were reported.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001214X37208. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.