# NTSB investigations: Mixture control

NTSB aviation accident and incident investigations since 1962: the probable cause, findings, aircraft, crew, weather and docket of each, linked to the FAA registry and the FAA’s own reports.

## Latest cases

- [NTSB ERA26LA092](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA26LA092.md): Cessna 172P · Flemington, GA · Accident · No injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Jan 9, 2026 · N96493 · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s inadvertent manipulation of the mixture control, which resulted in a total loss of engine power during initial climb and a subsequent forced lading.
- [NTSB WPR25LA070](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR25LA070.md): Vans RV-7A · Gila Bend, AZ · Accident · Minor injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Dec 22, 2024 · N1FB · Substantial damage
  > A disconnection of the mixture control linkage during flight, which resulted in fuel starvation and a total loss of engine power. Contributing was the inadequate inspection of the mixture control arm attachment hardware.
- [NTSB CEN25LA021](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN25LA021.md): Mooney M20K · Elizabeth, LA · Accident · No injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Oct 17, 2024 · N231MW · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s failure to set the engine fuel mixture to the required setting, which resulted in reduced engine power during a go-around and subsequent impact with trees. Contributing to the accident, the failure of the mechanic to perform a current fuel…
- [NTSB WPR25LA011](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR25LA011.md): Air Tractor AT502 · Corcoran, CA · Accident · No injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Oct 8, 2024 · N243LA · Substantial damage
  > A total loss of engine power due to the pilot's improper manipulation of the condition lever during flight, which resulted in fuel starvation and a forced landing.
- [NTSB ERA24LA195](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA24LA195.md): Reddick Jonathan L Zodiac 601XLB · Dunbar, PA · Accident · No injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Apr 27, 2024 · N601DR · Destroyed
  > A total loss of engine power as a result of an improperly fabricated fuel-air mixture cable bracket. Contributing was the pilot’s decision to fly the airplane with a known mechanical engine issue, and the presence of another airplane that was back taxiing on…
- [NTSB WPR23LA077](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR23LA077.md): Beech V35B · Livermore, CA · Accident · Serious injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Dec 25, 2022 · N65Y · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s inadvertent use of the mixture control instead of the throttle, which resulted in fuel starvation and the subsequent loss of engine power.
- [NTSB ERA22LA321](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA22LA321.md): Cessna 150G · Tuscaloosa, AL · Accident · No injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Jul 15, 2022 · N3301J · Substantial damage
  > The student pilot’s inadvertent use of the fuel mixture knob instead of the carburetor heat knob, which resulted in fuel starvation and a subsequent loss of engine power.
- [NTSB ANC21LA040](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC21LA040.md): Piper PA-18-105 Special · Gakona, AK · Accident · No injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · May 10, 2021 · N5489H · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s decision to initiate a flight with a failed mixture control cable which resulted in a total loss of engine power.
- [NTSB CEN18LA275](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN18LA275.md): Whittman Tailwind · Orient, OH · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jul 12, 2018 · N619NT · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s and the flight instructor's incorrect use of the modified mixture control, which resulted in a loss of engine power due to fuel starvation and a forced landing. Also causal was the inadequate systems knowledge of the experimental, amateur-built…
- [NTSB ANC18CA052](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC18CA052.md): Cessna 182 · Chugiak, AK · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Jul 1, 2018 · N5020D · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's mismanagement of the engine controls due to distraction in the traffic pattern, which resulted in a hard landing short of the runway.
- [NTSB WPR18LA002](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR18LA002.md): Cessna 172S · Tonopah, NV · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Oct 2, 2017 · N5311H · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to enrich the mixture during the descent, as required by the Pilot's Operating Handbook (POH), and his subsequent failure to follow the POH emergency procedures, which resulted in an excessively lean fuel/air mixture and subsequent loss of…
- [NTSB WPR17FA171](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR17FA171.md): Cessna 172N · Big Bear, CA · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jul 29, 2017 · N5381J · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's exceedance of the airplane's critical angle of attack during takeoff in high density altitude conditions, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall, loss of control, and subsequent impact with terrain.
- [NTSB ERA17LA278](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA17LA278.md): Piper PA28 · Gainsville, GA · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jul 7, 2017 · N6653J · Substantial damage
  > The separation of the mixture control cable from the mixture control lever at the carburetor, which resulted in the partial loss of engine power.
- [NTSB ERA17LA201](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA17LA201.md): Cirrus Design SR22 · Gordonville, FL · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jun 11, 2017 · N592BC · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to properly configure the mixture control for landing due to disorientation because he had the airport diagram upside down, which resulted in a total loss of engine power.
- [NTSB ERA17LA169](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA17LA169.md): Piper PA32RT · Coral Springs, FL · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Apr 30, 2017 · N31678 · Substantial damage
  > The in-flight disconnection of the fuel injection servo throttle linkage, which resulted in a loss of engine power.
- [NTSB ERA16LA145](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA16LA145.md): Cessna 175B · Hurley, MS · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Apr 2, 2016 · N8115T · Substantial damage
  > The mechanic's failure to identify and remove a plastic sheath covering a portion of the mixture control cable during an annual inspection, which prevented the proper securing of the mixture control cable and full travel of the control at the carburetor and…
- [NTSB CEN15LA112](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN15LA112.md): Mooney M20C · Lonoke county, AR · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jan 17, 2015 · N6474U · Substantial damage
  > The loss of engine power due to fuel starvation.
- [NTSB WPR14CA227](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR14CA227.md): Robinson Helicopter R22 Beta · Prescott, AZ · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Jun 4, 2014 · N223G · Substantial damage
  > The inadvertent activation of the engine's mixture control during cruise flight by the pilot undergoing instruction, which resulted in a total loss of engine power. Contributing to the accident was the flight instructor's inadequate monitoring of the pilot's…
- [NTSB CEN14LA277](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN14LA277.md): Cirrus Design SR22 · Durango, CO · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jun 1, 2014 · N583KM · Substantial damage
  > The student pilot’s decision to fly solo into an unfamiliar, mountain airport during high-wind conditions. Contributing to the accident was a partial loss of engine power during the attempted go-around, which was caused by an over-rich mixture setting.
- [NTSB ERA14LA161](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA14LA161.md): Cessna LC41-550FG · Palatka, FL · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Mar 21, 2014 · N717RR · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s improper management of the fuel mixture and his failure to use the appropriate checklist and guidance during the flight, which resulted in an overrich mixture condition, carbon-fouling of the spark plugs, and a subsequent total loss of engine…
- [NTSB ERA14LA086](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA14LA086.md): Cirrus Design SR22 · Buckhannon, WV · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jan 4, 2014 · N450TX · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s improper in-flight fuel mixture management and failure to use the appropriate checklist or manuals during approach to landing, which resulted in a loss of engine power.
- [NTSB WPR13LA222](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR13LA222.md): Robinson Helicopter R22 Beta · Honolulu, HI · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · May 9, 2013 · N5ZK · Substantial damage
  > The mechanic’s failure to properly inspect the helicopter following maintenance performed by an apprentice, which resulted in a total loss of engine power due to the improper rigging of the mixture control assembly.
- [NTSB ERA12FA514](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA12FA514.md): Socata TB 10 · Shirley, NY · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Aug 19, 2012 · N5542Z · Substantial damage
  > The pilot/owner's operation of the airplane with known deficiencies, and the mechanic's failure to reattach the mixture control cable to the mixture control arm following maintenance of the carburetor.
- [NTSB CEN12LA299](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN12LA299.md): Piper PA-24-250 · Shawnee, OK · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · May 14, 2012 · N7171P · Substantial damage
  > The improper installation of the mixture cable by maintenance personnel, which allowed the mixture cable to entangle with the landing gear during gear extension and led to the subsequent loss of engine power.
- [NTSB WPR12LA147](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR12LA147.md): Beech 35-C33 · St. George, UT · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Mar 21, 2012 · N866P · Substantial damage
  > The total loss of engine power due to the loose mixture control arm.
- [NTSB CEN11FA616](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN11FA616.md): Larson Ken W Christen EAGLE-II · Seward, NE · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Sep 4, 2011 · N88CE · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s inadvertent pulling of the mixture control lever on takeoff, which shut down the engine.
- [NTSB ERA11CA448](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA11CA448.md): Robinson R22 · Titusville, FL · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Aug 11, 2011 · N62JF · Substantial damage
  > The private pilot's incorrect manipulation of the engine mixture control which resulted in an inadvertent engine shutdown.
- [NTSB CEN11CA526](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN11CA526.md): Piper PA-36-375 · Cambridge, NE · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Jul 23, 2011 · N3963E · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to reset the engine's mixture control lever to the full rich position prior to takeoff.
- [NTSB WPR11LA315](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR11LA315.md): Beech V35B · Oljato, UT · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jul 7, 2011 · N1735W · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s failure to follow the airplane manufacturer’s mixture setting guidance while landing in high density altitude conditions.
- [NTSB CEN11LA457](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN11LA457.md): Beech B36TC · Akron, CO · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jun 23, 2011 · N93PP · Substantial damage
  > The mixture control cable disconnected from the cable housing attach clamp, which resutlted in the pilot's inability to add power when needed.
- [NTSB WPR11LA253](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR11LA253.md): Cessna A188B · Pine Bluffs, WY · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jun 2, 2011 · N9496G · Substantial damage
  > A partial loss of engine power during takeoff for reasons that could not be determined because postaccident examination did not reveal any mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation.
- [NTSB WPR11LA201](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR11LA201.md): Cessna 172S · Payson, AZ · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Apr 16, 2011 · N1835U · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's decision to conduct a touch-and-go arrival during his first flight to a high elevation airport, which resulted in an improper mixture adjustment and a partial loss of engine power for the takeoff and attempted climbout.
- [NTSB WPR11CA189](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR11CA189.md): Robinson Helicopter R22 Beta · Salt Lake City, UT · Accident · Minor injuries · Data collection · Final report · Apr 6, 2011 · N268SH · Substantial damage
  > The student pilot's inadvertent action of pulling out the engine's mixture control lever to idle cutoff that resulted in a complete loss of engine power.
- [NTSB WPR10CA278](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR10CA278.md): Robinson R22 · La Verne, CA · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Jun 5, 2010 · N7028U · Substantial damage
  > A loss of engine power due to the pilot's inadvertent movement of the mixture control.
- [NTSB CEN09LA396](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN09LA396.md): Champion 7GCAA · Shelbyville, IN · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jun 29, 2009 · N9085L · Substantial damage
  > The partial loss of engine power due to the failure of the mixture control cable. Contributing to the accident was the inadequate maintenance on the airplane and the pilot's decision to operate the airplane in a condition that was not airworthy.
- [NTSB ERA09LA372](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA09LA372.md): Cessna 172D · Shepherdsville, KY · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jun 27, 2009 · N172TJ · Substantial damage
  > The mechanic's improper inspection of the mixture control cable.
- [NTSB ERA09CA205](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA09CA205.md): Robinson Helicopter R22 Beta · Richmond, VA · Accident · Minor injuries · Data collection · Final report · Mar 22, 2009 · N2360M · Substantial damage
  > A loss of engine power due to the pilot inadvertently shutting down the engine.
- [NTSB ERA09CA095](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA09CA095.md): Beech C23 · Panacea, FL · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Dec 8, 2008 · N60410 · Substantial damage
  > A loss of engine power due to a failure of the mixture control cable housing attachment.
- [NTSB LAX08LA179](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX08LA179.md): Cessna 172S · Beaver, UT · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jun 12, 2008 · N233GW · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to attain and maintain an adequate airspeed during the initial climb as a result of his inadequate preflight planning and improper use of the mixture control. Contributing to the accident were the tailwind and high density altitude.
- [NTSB DEN08LA095](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN08LA095.md): Downer Bellanca 14-19-3 · N. Little Rock, AR · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · May 23, 2008 · N7640E · Substantial damage
  > The loss of engine power due to the incorrect and improper installation of throttle and mixture cables by unknown maintenance personnel.
- [NTSB LAX08LA088](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX08LA088.md): Beech F33A · San Diego, CA · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Mar 28, 2008 · N3133W · Substantial damage
  > A loss of engine power due to fuel starvation as a result of the pilot's improper use of the mixture control.

## The whole list in SQL

Runs in DuckDB 1.2 or later on the release's Parquet files over HTTPS:

```sql
SELECT c."ntsbNumber", c."eventDate", c."eventType", c."eventCity", c."eventStateOrRegion", a.n_number, a."aircraftMake", a."aircraftModel", c."highestInjuryLevel", c."totalFatal", c."completionStatus", c.report_url
FROM 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/ntsb_case_detail.parquet' c LEFT JOIN 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/ntsb_aircrafts.parquet' a ON a.case_mkey = c."mKey" AND a.position = 1
WHERE c."mKey" IN (SELECT f.case_mkey FROM 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/ntsb_findings.parquet' f WHERE starts_with(f."findingCode", '01057602'))
ORDER BY c."eventDate" DESC, c."ntsbNumber" DESC
```

This list as a web page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01057602/cases

---
OpenAirDocs.org is an independent research project of [Contrail Labs](https://contraillabs.com/). It is not affiliated with the FAA or the NTSB. Source documents are U.S. government works in the public domain.