Primary finding
Probable cause
The improper inspection of the worn throttle linkage connection at the fuel control, which resulted in the linkage becoming disconnected from the fuel control in flight and the engine losing power. This resulted in the aircraft colliding with a ditch during a forced landing in a field.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The airplane lost engine power while in cruise flight. While making a forced landing in a field the aircraft collided with a ditch. Postaccident examination of the aircraft by FAA inspectors indicated the throttle linkage had become disconnected from the fuel control due to excessive wear of the linkage connection. The aircraft had recieved a 100-hour inspection 11 days, 8 flight hours before the accident.
Source record
Factual narrative
On April 10, 1994, about 1035 eastern daylight time, a Piper PA-28R-200, N1395T, registered to Petersons Air Rental, Inc., collided with terrain while making a forced landing following loss of engine power at River Ranch, Florida, while on a 14 CFR Part 91 personal flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time and an instrument flight rules flight plan was filed. The aircraft received substantial damage and the private pilot and two passengers were not injured. The flight originated at Miami, Florida, on April 10, 1994, about 0920. The pilot stated that while at 5,000 feet en route the engine lost power. He received radar vectors from air traffic control towards the River Ranch Airport. He was unable to reach the airport and landed in a field. During landing rollout the aircraft collided with a ditch. Postcrash examination of the aircraft by FAA inspectors indicated the throttle linkage had become disconnected from the engine fuel control due to wear of the linkage. -