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Casualties unknown

Aircraft stalls on final approach due to propeller setting (N3403S)

Chistochina, AK, US

On July 2, 1987, a Cessna 182G (registration N3403S) operated by Robert G. Grimes was involved in an aviation accident near Chistochina, AK. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to set the propeller to high RPM before landing, which resulted in a loss of power and a subsequent 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

The pilot reported the aircraft failed to produce full power because the propeller was not set to high RPM before landing, leading to a stall on final approach.

What happened

During a telephone interview, the pilot stated that the aircraft did not produce full power. The pilot believed the reason for this issue was that the propeller setting was not set to high RPM before landing. As a result of the reduced power, the aircraft stalled on final approach to the airport and impacted the ground, substantially damaging the aircraft.

The investigation

The investigation relied on the pilot's statement regarding the propeller setting and the resulting loss of power.

Findings

  • Propeller not set to high RPM
  • Aircraft stalled on final approach
  • Substantial damage to the aircraft

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to set the propeller to high RPM before landing, which resulted in a loss of power and a subsequent stall.
Loss of control in flight

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2 Jul 1987 Cessna 182G accident near Chistochina, AK?

The pilot reported the aircraft failed to produce full power because the propeller was not set to high RPM before landing, leading to a stall on final approach.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2 Jul 1987 involved a Cessna 182G, registration N3403S, operated by Robert G. Grimes, at Chistochina, AK.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's failure to set the propeller to high RPM before landing, which resulted in a loss of power and a subsequent stall.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X31355. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.