Incident Overview
A certified flight instructor (CFI) and a student pilot were conducting aerobatic maneuvers in a designated practice area when the engine lost power. The CFI declared an emergency and executed a landing on a paved road. During the landing roll, the aircraft collided with an automobile.
Investigation Findings
An FAA airworthiness inspector examined the aircraft after the incident. The inspection revealed that the throttle linkage was disconnected from the carburetor throttle arm. The bolt that should have secured the linkage was found in the throttle arm hole; however, the required castellated nut and cotter pin were missing from the bolt.
Maintenance History
According to the aircraft maintenance records, prior to May 16, 1995, the aircraft had sustained a propeller strike. As a result, the engine was removed for disassembly and inspection. The engine was reinstalled in the aircraft 12 days, or 7 flight hours, before the accident.