Accident Overview
The pilot had just taken off for a pipeline patrol and was maneuvering near the airstrip when the engine sound decreased in volume. One witness reported that the engine sounded as if it were running at half power. The pilot did not land in a clear field located approximately one-quarter mile west of the airstrip, instead attempting to return to the airstrip. During this attempt, the aircraft stalled, struck power lines at the field boundary, and crashed onto the airstrip.
Witness Accounts
Witnesses heard the engine sound diminish shortly after takeoff. A specific witness stated, "The engine sounded like it was running at half power." The engine was still operating but at reduced output, which likely influenced the pilot's decision to try to make it back to the airstrip rather than land in the available field.
Investigation Findings
Examination of the aircraft revealed that the throttle cable had become disengaged from the throttle handle. The engine had been overhauled twice and had accumulated 7,218 hours of operating time. No records of throttle control replacement could be found, despite the manufacturer's service manual recommending replacement every 1,500 hours. The disengagement of the throttle cable is consistent with the reported decrease in engine power.