Accident Sequence
The pilot was practicing accuracy landings when he observed the aircraft drifting away from the runway. Upon attempting to increase the throttle setting, he found no response. In an effort to land on a highway on-ramp, the aircraft struck an electric wire, a street sign, and an automobile. A fire erupted on the ground following the impact.
Post-Accident Inspection
After the accident, an examination of the cockpit controls revealed the propeller control was set to high pitch, the mixture control was in idle cutoff, and the throttle was fully open. The similarity in appearance between the mixture and propeller control knobs may have led the pilot to inadvertently lean the mixture instead of moving the propeller control to high pitch, as would be appropriate for an accuracy landing preparation.
Engine Test
An engine run was successfully conducted after the accident, indicating no pre-existing mechanical failure with the powerplant.