Engine power surge leads to off-airport landing and aircraft destruction

Casualties unknown • Addison, TX, US

A pilot was forced to perform an emergency off-airport landing after a throttle failure caused uncontrolled engine power surges during the landing flare.

What happened

During the flare for landing, the pilot noticed an audible "click" while moving the throttle to the idle position. Following this sound, there was no reduction in engine power. The pilot reported that the throttle felt extremely loose and appeared disconnected from the engine.

As a result of the malfunction, the engine transitioned to full power, causing the turbocharger overboost light to illuminate. With the aircraft maintaining an airspeed of 120 knots, the pilot aborted the landing attempt. During the subsequent maneuvers to land the aircraft, the engine power fluctuated from a mid-power range and then surged to a higher power setting.

The pilot was forced to execute an off-airport landing. During the excursion, the aircraft collided with a fence and light poles. The impact resulted in a fire that destroyed the aircraft. There were no injuries reported.

The investigation

An examination of the aircraft revealed that the throttle cable had failed. The failure was attributed to high cycle fatigue, which directly caused the uncontrolled engine power conditions experienced by the pilot.

Probable cause

The failure of the throttle cable due to high cycle fatigue, resulting in an uncontrolled engine power condition.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1990-09-10 Piper PA-32RT-300T accident near Addison, TX?

A pilot was forced to perform an emergency off-airport landing after a throttle failure caused uncontrolled engine power surges during the landing flare.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1990-09-10 involved a Piper PA-32RT-300T, registration N36720, operated by Center-line Aviation, Inc., at Addison, TX.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The failure of the throttle cable due to high cycle fatigue, resulting in an uncontrolled engine power condition.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X24266. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.

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