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Casualties unknown

Pilot stalls aircraft after engine throttle failure (N7208N)

Mammoth Lakes, CA, US

On September 20, 1985, a Cessna 182P (registration N7208N) was involved in an aviation accident near Mammoth Lakes, CA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain airspeed during an engine shutdown procedure, which resulted in a stall. 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 2026-06-22Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot lost control of the aircraft after the throttle became stuck in the full power position, leading to a stall and crash short of the runway.

What happened

The pilot reported that the aircraft's throttle became jammed in the full power position during flight. To regain control of the engine output, the pilot utilized the mixture control to shut down the engine. However, the maneuver resulted in a loss of airspeed, causing the aircraft to stall. The aircraft subsequently crashed short of the runway.

The investigation

Examination of the wreckage was conducted to determine the mechanical state of the propulsion system prior to impact. The condition of the debris field and structural components was such that it was impossible to definitively determine the pre-accident status or position of the throttle assembly based on physical evidence alone.

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain airspeed during an engine shutdown procedure, which resulted in a stall.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 20 Sept 1985 Cessna 182P accident near Mammoth Lakes, CA?

A pilot lost control of the aircraft after the throttle became stuck in the full power position, leading to a stall and crash short of the runway.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 20 Sept 1985 involved a Cessna 182P, registration N7208N, at Mammoth Lakes, CA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's failure to maintain airspeed during an engine shutdown procedure, which resulted in a stall.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001214X37823. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.