On April 23, 1983, a Bellanca 8KCAB (registration N86948) was involved in an aviation accident near Ashley Falls, MA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The unsecured mixture control cable which moved to idle cut-off, resulting in total engine power loss and a subsequent forced landing. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A pilot experienced dual engine failures near an airport and executed a forced landing on an island, resulting in the aircraft nosing over due to an unsecured mixture control cable.
What happened
The pilot reported that the engine failed while the aircraft was approximately half a mile from the airport. He attempted to restart the powerplant, but it ceased operation a second time and would not restart again. At this point, the aircraft had descended to an altitude of roughly 200 feet above ground level. The pilot executed a right turn toward an island for a forced landing. The aircraft touched down in approximately two feet of water short of the runway area and subsequently nosed over.
The investigation
A post-accident examination of the aircraft revealed that the mixture control cable was not secured properly. This lack of security allowed the cable to move freely, causing the engine to transition to the idle cut-off position without pilot input.
Probable cause
The unsecured mixture control cable which moved to idle cut-off, resulting in total engine power loss and a subsequent forced landing.