The phrase was indeed used, perhaps adopted, by aviators with a similar meaning, but it appears that the phrase had entered the vernacular prior to the aviation age.
One plausible origin from a steam reference is a condition where the flyball governor speed regulation is at least partially bypassed such that the engine can operate above design speed by adjusting the mechanism so that the flyballs can extend as nearly horizontal, i.e., "to the wall" as allowed by the stops without closing the steam valve.
In this manner, the engine could produce more power than design intention (in some conditions) at least temporarily.
One would think that such operation of a large stationary steam engine would require close attention by the operator(s).
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