Flying Wing Throttle

Marion strikes the pilot, who slumps forward and jams the cockpit throttle lever to full power. Engines roar instantly, reversed propellers spin like blades nearby, and the heavy fuselage rolls forward across the airstrip. Fuel gushes from a tank rupture as the canopy snaps shut over Marion, trapping her; Indy fights through the slick and brawl to reach the plane.

2 appearances

Purpose

Advances aircraft engines to maximum power, causing uncontrolled taxiing and takeoff surge

Significance

Transforms stakeout into deadly crisis: traps Marion, spills fuel amid fight, forces Indy's bloody rescue dash, heightens Ark mission's personal stakes against Nazi shipment

Appearances in the Narrative

When this object appears and how it's used

2 moments

S1E1 · RAIDERS OF THE LOST ARK

Stakeout and Escalation at the Flying Wing

The flying wing's throttle is accidentally jammed forward when the incapacitated pilot falls onto it; this control being engaged causes engines to rev and the plane to roll, escalating a stealth mission into immediate peril.

Before: Under pilot control or idle (gauges being adjusted).

After: Jammed forward by the pilot's fallen body, causing engine revs and uncontrolled movement.

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S1E1 · RAIDERS OF THE LOST ARK

Locked In as the Wing Roars

The throttle is the pivot of catastrophe: when the pilot's unconscious body falls onto it, engines rev to full and the plane pivots—turning a personnel injury into an immediate mechanical menace.

Before: At idle, under pilot control.

After: Jammed/full power due to the pilot’s collapsed body, causing the plane to roll and collide with a tank truck.

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