Incident Overview
During an approach to land, a pilot mistakenly operated the mixture control instead of the carburetor heat control. Upon realizing the error, the pilot pushed the mixture control back in, but the engine failed to respond. Unable to reach the airstrip, the aircraft crashed into a canal nearby.
Investigation Findings
An FAA airworthiness inspector examined the engine and discovered that the mixture control cable had separated from the mixture control arm at the carburetor. This separation explained the lack of engine response after the control was returned to its original position.
Sequence of Events
The pilot reported that while on approach, he inadvertently pulled the mixture control lever, thinking it was the carburetor heat control. After correcting the control input, the engine did not regain power. The aircraft subsequently impacted a canal before reaching the intended landing area.
Mechanical Condition
The post-accident inspection revealed a mechanical disconnection: the cable linking the mixture control to the carburetor arm was no longer attached. This condition prevented the mixture control from affecting engine operation, even when the cockpit control was moved.