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Aircraft Collides with Ditch After Throttle Cable Failure (N731NP)

Aberdeen, MS, US

On July 17, 1995, a Cessna A188B (registration N731NP) was involved in an aviation accident near Aberdeen, MS. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: A broken throttle cable, which caused the engine to go to full throttle due to the spring-loaded throttle arm, resulting in the uncommanded movement of the aircraft. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

An aircraft with the engine running began moving uncommanded after the pilot exited to fill the chemical tank. The throttle cable had broken, causing the engine to go to full throttle, and the aircraft struck a ditch.

Incident Overview

While preparing for a flight, the pilot started the engine and taxied the aircraft to the chemical loading area. After leaving the engine running, he exited the aircraft to fill its chemical tank. As he prepared to do so, he heard the engine's RPM increase. The aircraft then began moving without anyone at the controls. Before the pilot could intervene, the aircraft collided with a ditch and came to rest.

Postaccident Findings

Examination after the accident revealed that the throttle cable had broken. According to the operator, the throttle arm on the carburetor is spring-loaded to the full throttle position. This configuration likely caused the engine to accelerate when the cable failed.

Sequence of Events

The pilot had left the aircraft unattended with the engine running. The broken throttle cable resulted in an unintended increase in engine power, leading to the aircraft's forward movement. The ditch subsequently stopped the aircraft's motion.

Probable cause

A broken throttle cable, which caused the engine to go to full throttle due to the spring-loaded throttle arm, resulting in the uncommanded movement of the aircraft.
Maintenance error

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 17 Jul 1995 Cessna A188B accident near Aberdeen, MS?

An aircraft with the engine running began moving uncommanded after the pilot exited to fill the chemical tank. The throttle cable had broken, causing the engine to go to full throttle, and the aircraft struck a ditch.

Were there any fatalities in the 17 Jul 1995 Cessna A188B accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 17 Jul 1995 involved a Cessna A188B, registration N731NP, at Aberdeen, MS.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

A broken throttle cable, which caused the engine to go to full throttle due to the spring-loaded throttle arm, resulting in the uncommanded movement of the aircraft.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001207X04032. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.