Casualties unknown

Aircraft Overruns Runway During Precautionary Landing in Mountainous Terrain (N23FB)

Lone Pine, CA, US

On July 16, 1988, a Cessna 185E (registration N23FB) operated by Scott, Mark J was involved in an aviation accident near Lone Pine, CA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's decision to land on a short airstrip with high density altitude after experiencing high engine cylinder temperatures, which resulted in an overrun and nose-over. 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 executed a precautionary landing on a short airstrip with high density altitude due to high engine cylinder temperatures while crossing mountainous terrain. The aircraft overran the runway and nosed over.

What happened

The pilot reported that the engine cylinder temperature became excessively high while flying through mountainous terrain. In response to this mechanical concern, the pilot elected to perform a precautionary landing on a nearby short airstrip. This location presented significant challenges due to its high density altitude conditions.

During the approach and landing phase, the aircraft touched down beyond the normal touchdown zone. The excessive speed or late flare resulted in the aircraft overrunning the available runway surface. Upon exiting the paved area, the aircraft nosed over onto its back, coming to rest inverted.

The investigation

The investigation focused on the mechanical status of the engine and the circumstances surrounding the landing. The primary finding was the reported high engine cylinder temperature prior to the decision to land. No other mechanical failures were explicitly cited in the narrative provided.

Findings

The accident occurred during a precautionary landing initiated due to high engine cylinder temperature. Contributing factors included the choice of an airstrip with high density altitude and a short runway length. The pilot's decision to land on this specific strip, combined with touching down beyond the normal zone, led to the overrun.

The aircraft sustained substantial damage as it overran the runway and nosed over. No injuries were reported in the source text, but the structural integrity of the airframe was compromised by the inversion.

Probable cause

The pilot's decision to land on a short airstrip with high density altitude after experiencing high engine cylinder temperatures, which resulted in an overrun and nose-over.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 16 Jul 1988 Cessna 185E accident near Lone Pine, CA?

The pilot executed a precautionary landing on a short airstrip with high density altitude due to high engine cylinder temperatures while crossing mountainous terrain. The aircraft overran the runway and nosed over.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 16 Jul 1988 involved a Cessna 185E, registration N23FB, operated by Scott, Mark J, at Lone Pine, CA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's decision to land on a short airstrip with high density altitude after experiencing high engine cylinder temperatures, which resulted in an overrun and nose-over.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X26281. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.