Incident Narrative
According to the pilot, while on final approach for runway 36, the aircraft was configured without flaps. Realizing the approach was too high, the pilot decided to execute a go-around. However, moving the throttle forward produced no response from the engine. The pilot was aware of an open field north of the runway but considered it insufficient to stop the aircraft. Instead, he initiated a steep left turn aiming to land on a nearby road that ran perpendicular to the runway. During the turn, the left wing made contact with the ground.
Environmental Conditions
Winds were reported from 180 degrees at 7 knots at Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport, located ten miles to the southeast.
Mechanical Inspection
Examination of the carburetor revealed that the throttle arm had been installed incorrectly. When the throttle was fully closed, the arm pointed straight back at the cable. In this position, advancing the throttle in the cockpit caused the cable and housing to bind. This binding could allow the throttle arm on the carburetor to move upward rather than downward and forward through its normal arc, preventing the engine from responding as expected.