Primary finding
Probable cause
The disconnected carburetor mixture control linkage that resulted in a loss of engine power, and the subsequent collision with trees.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
During the initial climb after takeoff, the engine began to run roughly. Unable to return to the runway, the pilot force landed in a wooded area. A post accident examination of the engine was accomplished. The mixture control linkage was disconnected. When the engine was started, it ran roughly until the mixture control lever on the carburetor was moved by hand to the rich position.
Source record
Factual narrative
On June 27, 1995, about 0300 eastern daylight time, a Piper PA-28-235, N16345, collided with trees during a forced landing near Summerville, South Carolina. The private pilot was not injured, and the aircraft was substantially damaged. The aircraft was operated under the provisions of 14 CFR Part 91 by the pilot. Visual meteorological conditions existed at the time, and no flight plan was filed for the business flight. The flight was originating from the Dorchester County Airport in Summerville at the time of the accident. The pilot reported that his intentions were to fly the airplane to St. George, South Carolina, about 15 miles to the northwest of Summerville. During the initial climb, the engine began to run roughly, and lost power. He was unable to return to the runway, and force landed the airplane in a wooded area. The aircraft impacted trees during the landing, resulting in structural damage. During the engine examination following the accident, the carburetor mixture control linkage was found disconnected, and the screw that joined the linkage and the valve was absent. When started, the engine ran roughly, until the mixture control valve was held, by hand, in the rich position. -