Incident Overview
During a flight, the pilot decided to divert to Hesperia due to adverse weather conditions. While executing the en route letdown, the pilot attempted to add power but discovered the throttle control was frozen and could not be moved. The throttle remained at a power setting insufficient to maintain level flight. As the aircraft maneuvered toward the runway, it collided with high-tension power lines.
Post-Accident Examination
Following the accident, Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) airworthiness inspectors examined the aircraft. They confirmed that the throttle was frozen in an intermediate setting, preventing any adjustment of engine power.
Maintenance History
The aircraft's engine had been overhauled on June 18, 1991. As part of this overhaul, the carburetor was also overhauled, which included the installation of new throttle bushings and a shaft. However, records from Southbay Aviation documented six prior complaints by renter pilots that the throttle was sticking intermittently. The corrective action recorded on the discrepancy sheets for these complaints consisted of replacing the throttle cable.