Accident Overview
An aircraft crashed 150 yards short of the runway while attempting to land. The pilot reported that manifold pressure kept falling as he progressed around the traffic pattern. During the base leg, the engine went to idle.
Pilot Actions
The pilot had lowered the landing gear but had not yet extended the flaps. When it became apparent that the runway would not be reached, he selected a landing spot and lowered the flaps. The aircraft touched down in a rough area, which tore off the landing gear and slowed the aircraft.
Inspection Findings
Post-crash inspection revealed that the throttle control spring stud assembly nut was missing, and the stud was detached from the throttle. When the stud was placed in position on the throttle arm, it fell away after approximately 15 cycles of throttle actuation from the cockpit.
Maintenance History
The engine had just been overhauled and installed, and an annual inspection had been performed on December 11, 1982. Total time since the overhaul was about 10 hours.