Casualties unknown

Forced Landing Attempt After Engine Failure During Test Flight (N7133E)

Big Bear Lake, CA, US

On June 16, 1992, a Cessna 182E (registration N7133E) operated by Van Aasperen. Wallace R. was involved in an aviation accident near Big Bear Lake, CA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE LOSE OF ENGINE POWER FOR UNDETERMINED REASONS. THE MOUNTAINOUS ROAD ON WHICH THE PILOT ATTEMPTED TO LAND AND THE TWO MOTOR VEHICLES THAT WERE ON THE ROAD WERE FACTORS IN THE ACCIDENT. 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

During a post-maintenance test flight, the engine failed after the pilot leaned the mixture. A forced landing on a mountainous road with vehicles resulted in the right wing striking the road. No preexisting malfunction was found.

Maintenance Background

The test flight took place after the completion of an annual inspection and the replacement of the throttle cables, carburetor heat cables, and the propeller.

Engine Failure

As the aircraft climbed to an altitude of about 900 feet above the terrain, the engine failed when the pilot leaned the fuel mixture.

Forced Landing

The pilot attempted a forced landing on a mountainous road. At that time, two motor vehicles were present on the road. During the attempt to align the aircraft with the road, the pilot banked the aircraft, and the right wing struck the road.

Post-Accident Examination

Following the accident, an examination of the engine was conducted. The examination did not reveal any evidence of a preexisting malfunction or failure.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 16 Jun 1992 Cessna 182E accident near Big Bear Lake, CA?

During a post-maintenance test flight, the engine failed after the pilot leaned the mixture. A forced landing on a mountainous road with vehicles resulted in the right wing striking the road. No preexisting malfunction was found.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 16 Jun 1992 involved a Cessna 182E, registration N7133E, operated by Van Aasperen. Wallace R., at Big Bear Lake, CA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

THE LOSE OF ENGINE POWER FOR UNDETERMINED REASONS. THE MOUNTAINOUS ROAD ON WHICH THE PILOT ATTEMPTED TO LAND AND THE TWO MOTOR VEHICLES THAT WERE ON THE ROAD WERE FACTORS IN THE ACCIDENT.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X14907. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.