Accident Sequence
The airplane experienced a loss of engine power during the climb after takeoff. The pilot initiated a turn toward the designated emergency landing area. During the turn, the airplane struck trees and subsequently fell to the ground.
Postaccident Examination
Examination of the airframe and fuel system revealed no anomalies. The engine examination found the throttle cable positioned fully forward, indicating maximum fuel flow command, but it was disconnected from the throttle arm on the fuel injector servo. The throttle arm itself was found at the idle position. The hardware that normally connects the throttle cable rod end to the throttle arm was missing.
Further inspection of the throttle cable rod end and the throttle arm showed wear around the circumference of their attachment holes. The wear pattern on the throttle arm’s attachment hole was consistent with the rod end having been installed at a skewed angle.
Maintenance History
The airplane had received an annual inspection approximately 99 flight hours prior to the accident.