Flight and Engine Failure
The flight departed Cleveland at 1539 and was conducted at an altitude of 6,000 feet. About 45 miles west of the destination, the fuel gauges indicated 5 gallons of fuel in each of the two tanks. Approximately 5 miles west of the airport, the engine quit. The pilot performed a forced landing on the northbound lane of a parkway, during which the aircraft collided with a car.
Post-Accident Inspection
After the accident, inspection revealed that the carburetor heat control cable was disconnected from the valve actuating arm of the carburetor heat assembly. The valve and attached actuating arm were found in the 'on' position. The control cable was inserted through the swivel fitting stud, but the washer, nut, and cotter pin required for retention and security to the valve actuating arm were missing.
Aircraft Maintenance History
The aircraft had accumulated 83 hours since its last annual inspection, which was performed on December 2, 1982.