Incident Overview
While maneuvering in the traffic pattern, the pilot observed a drop in manifold pressure to 13 inches and a loss of engine power. Movement of the throttle had no effect on the manifold pressure. The pilot initiated a forced landing to Runway 29.
Forced Landing Attempt
After touching down, the pilot attempted to stop the aircraft with heavy braking, but there was insufficient runway available, and trees were present off the end of the runway. The pilot then lifted the aircraft off the runway, retracted the landing gear and some wing flaps, and again tried to increase engine power, but there was still no response. The pilot elected to ditch the aircraft in a lake.
Engine Examination
Examination of the engine revealed that the throttle cable was disconnected from the fuel injector control arm. This disconnection prevented the throttle from affecting manifold pressure and engine power.