Incident Details
During landing practice at Centennial Airport in Denver, Colorado, a private pilot was using Runway 17L, an asphalt runway measuring 8,500 feet in length and 101 feet in width. On final approach, the pilot attempted to add power but found that the throttle cable would not move. Several attempts to free the cable were unsuccessful. The engine remained at 1700 RPM, causing the aircraft to undershoot the approach. The aircraft subsequently impacted terrain approximately one-quarter mile short of the runway in a field.
Post-Accident Inspection
A post-accident inspection of the throttle system provided evidence that the plastic coating on the throttle cable had disintegrated. Pieces of the coating were found inside the outer cable housing, which likely impeded cable movement.
No other details were provided.