On March 16, 1992, a Mooney M20K (registration N231KF) operated by Garofalo, Joseph Jr. was involved in an aviation accident near St. Augustine, FL. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE SEPARATION OF THE SWAGE BETWEEN THE THROTTLE OUTER HOUSING AND THROTTLE CABLE RESULTING IN LOSS OF THROTTLE CONTROL AND THE ENGINE REDUCING TO IDLE POWER. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
During cruise at 4,000 feet, engine power reduced to idle over 30 seconds. Throttle control ineffective. Forced landing attempt failed; aircraft ditched in swamp. Post-crash examination found throttle cable outer housing separated at swage point; cause undetermined.
Accident Overview
The pilot reported that while cruising at 4,000 feet, the engine power gradually reduced to idle over a 30-second period. Movements of the throttle control had no effect on engine power.
Sequence of Events
During the subsequent forced landing attempt at an airport, the pilot was unable to reach the intended landing area. The aircraft was ditched in a swamp.
Post-Accident Examination
Post-crash examination of the aircraft revealed that the throttle cable outer housing had separated from the throttle control at the point where it is swaged. This separation allowed the inner control cable to flex, preventing movement of the throttle arm. The cause of the separation could not be determined. The engine was operated after the accident with no evidence of failure or malfunction.