Primary finding
Probable cause
The failure of the throttle cable clevis swage. Contributing to the accident was the uneven terrain available for landing.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot was within 5 miles of his destination airport at the termination of a short cross country flight at 2000 feet above ground level. When the pilot reduced throttle to begin his descent the engine went to idle and throttle control was no longer available. The pilot decided to attempt to make his destination airport but landed in an open field short of the runway. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing main spar. The pilot received no injuries. Upon investigation of the engine it was discovered that the throttle cable clevis swag failed at the cable housing and throttle control was no longer available.
Source record
Factual narrative
The pilot was within 5 miles of his destination airport at the termination of a short cross country flight at 2,000 feet above ground level. When the pilot reduced the throttle to begin his descent, the engine went to idle and throttle control was no longer available. The pilot decided to attempt to make his destination airport but landed in an open field short of the runway. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing main spar. The pilot received no injuries. Upon investigation of the engine, it was discovered that the throttle cable clevis swage failed at the cable housing and throttle control was no longer available.