Casualties unknown

Aircraft Stalls into Mountainside in Box Canyon (N3222U)

Las Vegas, NV, US

On December 30, 1983, a Cessna 182F (registration N3222U) was involved in an aviation accident near Las Vegas, NV. 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

An aircraft stalled into the side of a mountain about 75 feet below its crest. The pilot reported insufficient altitude; throttle was opened but RPMs did not increase. Impact occurred in a stalled flight condition, nose gear sheared off, and the aircraft nosed over.

Accident Overview

The accident occurred when the aircraft stalled into the side of a mountain approximately 75 feet below its crest. The impact took place in a box-like canyon. At the time of the accident, the aircraft was in a stalled flight condition.

Pilot Report

The pilot reported that as it became apparent the aircraft had insufficient altitude to clear the mountain, the throttle was opened. However, the RPMs did not increase, and the tachometer remained at 2300 RPM.

Impact and Damage

Upon impact, the aircraft's nose gear was sheared off, and the aircraft nosed over. The accident elevation was 5900 feet MSL.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 30 Dec 1983 Cessna 182F accident near Las Vegas, NV?

An aircraft stalled into the side of a mountain about 75 feet below its crest. The pilot reported insufficient altitude; throttle was opened but RPMs did not increase. Impact occurred in a stalled flight condition, nose gear sheared off, and the aircraft nosed over.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 30 Dec 1983 involved a Cessna 182F, registration N3222U, at Las Vegas, NV.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001214X45345. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.