Engine Failure
Approximately 20 minutes into the flight, while setting up to enter a local landing pattern, the engine began to slowly lose power and subsequently quit. The pilot maneuvered the aircraft toward an open field.
Forced Landing
At an altitude of about 20 to 25 feet above ground level, the pilot initiated a power-off stall. Upon ground contact, the airplane veered violently to the right, turning approximately 180 degrees.
Post-Accident Inspection
An FAA inspector examined the airplane after the accident. The inspection revealed that a single set screw had been used to secure the throttle cable at the throttle arm. The screw was found to be loose in the carburetor barrel and did not appear to be tight against the cable end. A similar wire cable end was easily pushed through the barrel, indicating that the throttle control cable may not have been securely fastened to the throttle arm prior to the accident.