Aircraft Loses Power During Climb, Crashes on Residential Street During Forced Landing Attempt (N42814)

Accident Summary

The aircraft lost power during initial climb and subsequently crashed on a residential street while attempting a forced landing.

Investigation Findings

Examination after the accident found that the throttle arm had separated from the throttle shaft. The arm had been replaced 19 hours prior to the accident. Inspection of the carburetor revealed that the shaft bushing was worn and loose, and the jaws of the new arm were closed completely but produced no clamping action. Subsequent tests of the arm and shaft showed that the arm would slip easily on and off the shaft. Tests also established that the recommended method of safety wiring the arm to the shaft did not retain the arm on the shaft.

Maintenance Issues

The maintenance facility that replaced the throttle arm did not perform the final inspection in accordance with their own FAA-approved repair station manual. Additionally, the maintenance facility had recommended a major carburetor overhaul to the pilot/owner, but he refused because of the quoted price.