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Casualties unknown

Witnesses Observe Low-Altitude Maneuvering Before Aircraft Descends Into Wooded Area (N8353L)

Gladwin, MI, US

On November 3, 2007, a Cessna 172I (registration N8353L) operated by Skyvue Flying Club was involved in an aviation accident near Gladwin, MI. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control while maneuvering at a low altitude. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's diverted attention while attempting to photograph ground objects. 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

Multiple witnesses reported seeing an aircraft maneuvering low over their position before it entered a series of banks and descended nose-down into a wooded area. The pilot's camera contained 112 photos taken during the flight, and no pre-impact mechanical issues were found.

Accident Sequence

Several witnesses reported observing the aircraft maneuvering over their position at a low altitude. According to their accounts, the airplane was in a left turn when it suddenly banked to the right and then left before descending vertically, nose down, into a wooded area.

Pilot Activity

Multiple individuals stated that the pilot often took aerial photographs during flights. The pilot's logbook documented numerous flights undertaken for the expressed purpose of photographing objects on the ground. Following the accident, local law enforcement personnel recovered a digital camera that was slung around the pilot's neck. The camera contained photographs of the immediate area surrounding the accident site, and the recovered image metadata showed that 112 photos were taken during the accident flight.

Wreckage Examination

Examination of the recovered wreckage revealed no evidence of a pre-impact mechanical malfunction.

Loss of control in flight

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 3 Nov 2007 Cessna 172I accident near Gladwin, MI?

Multiple witnesses reported seeing an aircraft maneuvering low over their position before it entered a series of banks and descended nose-down into a wooded area. The pilot's camera contained 112 photos taken during the flight, and no pre-impact mechanical issues were found.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 3 Nov 2007 involved a Cessna 172I, registration N8353L, operated by Skyvue Flying Club, at Gladwin, MI.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control while maneuvering at a low altitude. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's diverted attention while attempting to photograph ground objects.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20071107X01748. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.