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Casualties unknown

Airplane Observed in Nose-High Attitude Before Pitching Over and Descending During Initial Climb (N5499K)

Fort Wayne, IN, US

On October 16, 1990, a Cessna 172P (registration N5499K) operated by Bowman Aviation, Inc was involved in an aviation accident near Fort Wayne, IN. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE FAILURE OF THE PILOT TO MAINTAIN AN AIRSPEED ABOVE STALLING SPEED. FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH THE ACCIDENT ARE PREMATURE ROTATION AND THE PILOT'S LACK OF RECENT TOTAL EXPERIENCE. 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

During initial climb after takeoff, the airplane was seen climbing nose-high before pitching over and descending with left wing low. The pilot had 69 total hours and 0.3 hours in the preceding 90 days. No mechanical defects were found. The tail tie down ring dragged on the runway.

Accident Sequence

Witnesses observed the airplane climbing in a nose-high attitude during the initial climb after takeoff. The aircraft then pitched over and descended with its left wing low before impacting the ground.

Pilot Experience

Records indicate the pilot held a total of 69 flight hours. In the 90 days preceding the accident, the pilot had accumulated 0.3 flight hours, all of which were obtained the day before the accident.

Aircraft Examination

No mechanical defects were discovered in either the airframe or the powerplant. Evidence showed that the tail tie-down ring had dragged as the airplane tracked off the left side of the runway before lifting off.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 16 Oct 1990 Cessna 172P accident near Fort Wayne, IN?

During initial climb after takeoff, the airplane was seen climbing nose-high before pitching over and descending with left wing low. The pilot had 69 total hours and 0.3 hours in the preceding 90 days. No mechanical defects were found. The tail tie down ring dragged on the runway.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 16 Oct 1990 involved a Cessna 172P, registration N5499K, operated by Bowman Aviation, Inc, at Fort Wayne, IN.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

THE FAILURE OF THE PILOT TO MAINTAIN AN AIRSPEED ABOVE STALLING SPEED. FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH THE ACCIDENT ARE PREMATURE ROTATION AND THE PILOT'S LACK OF RECENT TOTAL EXPERIENCE.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X24422. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.