Aircraft Damaged in Forced Landing Following Power Loss (N1693M)

Accident Details

An aircraft experienced a loss of engine power while in cruise flight, leading to a forced landing that resulted in damage to the airplane. The pilot reported checking the throttle position and advancing it, but there was no response. An emergency was declared on frequency 121.5. The emergency fuel pump was activated but later turned off because the pilot stated the engine sounded as if it was flooded. The pilot noted that the engine never stopped running completely.

Investigation Findings

During the investigation, it was discovered that the throttle bellcrank bearing and bolt were missing from the throttle rod assembly (part number 16500161) on the lower part of the engine. The throttle rod assembly had been repositioned, and the idle and mixture had been adjusted 27 days before the accident by Peninsula Aircraft Services of Kenai, Alaska. Weather was determined not to be a factor in the accident.