1 fatality

Aircraft Departs Controlled Flight During Steep Climb (N5373B)

Marine City, MI, US

On August 26, 1990, a Cessna 182 (registration N5373B) was involved in an aviation accident near Marine City, MI. One person was killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's decision to perform a steep climb after a low pass, which resulted in a loss of control and descent into terrain. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 8 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-06-19Data APIEditorial standards

An aircraft observed making a low pass pulled up into a steep climb, lost control, and crashed into terrain. Mechanical and toxicological examinations were negative.

What happened

The incident began with the aircraft performing a low pass over the airport runway. Following this maneuver, the pilot initiated a pull-up into a steep climb. During this phase of flight, the aircraft departed controlled flight and subsequently descended into the terrain, resulting in a crash.

The investigation

A thorough examination of the physical evidence was conducted to determine the cause of the accident. Investigators inspected both the engine and the airframe for any mechanical defects or anomalies. The post-accident analysis revealed no conditions that would have had a negative impact on the flight of the aircraft. Additionally, post-mortem and toxicological examinations of the pilot-in-command were performed and yielded negative results.

Findings

The primary factor in this accident was the loss of control during a steep climb following a low pass. The steep climb maneuver appears to have been the critical event leading to the departure from controlled flight. There was no evidence of mechanical failure or pilot impairment contributing to the outcome.

Probable cause

The pilot's decision to perform a steep climb after a low pass, which resulted in a loss of control and descent into terrain.

All Cessna 182 accidents →

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 26 Aug 1990 Cessna 182 accident near Marine City, MI?

An aircraft observed making a low pass pulled up into a steep climb, lost control, and crashed into terrain. Mechanical and toxicological examinations were negative.

Were there any fatalities in the 26 Aug 1990 Cessna 182 accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 1 fatality.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 26 Aug 1990 involved a Cessna 182, registration N5373B, at Marine City, MI.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's decision to perform a steep climb after a low pass, which resulted in a loss of control and descent into terrain.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X23935. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.