Casualties unknown

Pilot Encounters Power Lever Malfunction During Landing, Runway Excursion Damages Localizer Antenna (N224AM)

Des Moines, IA, US

On August 20, 1997, a Swearingen SA226TC (registration N224AM) was involved in an aviation accident near Des Moines, IA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The power control cable was disconnected from its anchoring point due to a broken safety tab that allowed the housing to unscrew. 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 2026-06-10Data APIEditorial standards

During landing approach, the right engine remained at high power after power lever reduction. After landing, directional control was lost, aircraft went off runway and hit localizer antenna. Power control cable was disconnected.

Incident Description

During the landing approach, the pilot moved the power levers to reduce power, but the right engine remained at a high power setting. The pilot executed a missed approach and experienced difficulty maintaining straight and level flight. He then maneuvered for a second approach and landed. After touchdown, the pilot could not maintain directional control of the airplane and attempted a go-around. The aircraft departed the end of the runway and struck the localizer antenna. The pilot did not advise air traffic control of the problem nor declare an emergency.

Maintenance Background

Approximately one month before the incident, maintenance had been performed on the right engine to correct a discrepancy regarding a stiff right engine power lever. During that maintenance, the mechanic re-rigged the right engine power cable.

Power Control Cable Condition

Following the incident, the power control cable was found disconnected from its anchoring point. A safety tab was broken off the housing, which allowed the housing to unscrew.

Pilot's Operating Handbook Guidance

The Pilot's Operating Handbook stated that in the event of a power plant control malfunction, the affected engine should be shut down and a single-engine landing should be made.

Probable cause

The power control cable was disconnected from its anchoring point due to a broken safety tab that allowed the housing to unscrew.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001208X08593. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.