Primary finding
Probable cause
The disconnected throttle linkage resulting in the loss of engine power during takeoff-initial climb. A factor contributing to the accident was the muddy forced landing site.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The commercial pilot had just departed for an aerial application flight when shortly after takeoff the airplane's engine lost power. The pilot reported that the engine seemed to go to idle, and that he was unable to restore power. During the forced landing, the airplane was substantially damaged. A postaccident inspection of the engine revealed that the bolt holding the throttle linkage to the fuel servo was missing. Because of the missing bolt, the throttle linkage became disconnected, and the pilot was unable to restore engine power.
Source record
Factual narrative
The commercial pilot had just departed for an aerial application flight, when shortly after take-off the single-engine airplane lost engine power. The pilot reported that the engine seemed to go to idle and that he was unable to restore power. He then maneuvered the aircraft for a landing. During the forced landing, the aircraft was substantially damaged. A post inspection of the aircraft engine revealed that the bolt holding the throttle linkage to the fuel servo was missing.