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Throttle Cable Housing Fracture Leads to Power Loss and Collision with Tree (N15468)

Falmouth, KY, US

On August 9, 1987, a Piper PA-28-140 (registration N15468) was involved in an aviation accident near Falmouth, KY. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Fracture of the rigid housing at the engine end of the throttle cable, which allowed the cable to displace to the side rather than push the throttle open, resulting in loss of engine power. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

During touch-and-go landings, a pilot and passenger experienced power loss after takeoff. Inspection revealed a fractured rigid housing on the throttle cable, preventing the throttle from opening.

Incident Overview

A pilot and a passenger had been conducting touch-and-go landings at a local airport for approximately 40 minutes. The final takeoff was preceded by a full stop landing. Shortly after liftoff, the pilot reported that the aircraft lost power and was unable to clear a tree located at the top of a ridge line.

Subsequent Inspection

A subsequent inspection of the aircraft revealed that the rigid housing at the engine end of the throttle cable had fractured. This fracture allowed the throttle cable to displace to the side rather than push the throttle open. One end of the rigid housing was attached to the engine, while the other end acted as a sleeve for the throttle arm pushrod to the carburetor throttle control arm.

Findings

The fractured rigid housing prevented proper throttle operation, resulting in a loss of engine power during the climb. The aircraft subsequently collided with a tree.

Probable cause

Fracture of the rigid housing at the engine end of the throttle cable, which allowed the cable to displace to the side rather than push the throttle open, resulting in loss of engine power.
Maintenance error

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 9 Aug 1987 Piper PA-28-140 accident near Falmouth, KY?

During touch-and-go landings, a pilot and passenger experienced power loss after takeoff. Inspection revealed a fractured rigid housing on the throttle cable, preventing the throttle from opening.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 9 Aug 1987 involved a Piper PA-28-140, registration N15468, at Falmouth, KY.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

Fracture of the rigid housing at the engine end of the throttle cable, which allowed the cable to displace to the side rather than push the throttle open, resulting in loss of engine power.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X31701. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.