Incident Overview
Shortly after takeoff, the airplane collided with trees and subsequently struck the ground while descending for a forced landing over a residential area. The controller inquired whether the pilot was experiencing problems, and the pilot responded that the engine was not 'getting good power' and that the flight was returning to land.
Examination of the Wreckage
Examination of the wreckage revealed that the throttle control was not connected to the throttle control arm, which was undamaged and positioned at idle. The attach hardware for the throttle control was not located. The mixture control cable was connected to its control arm, but the arm was bent and broken. The propeller governor cable was observed to be tightly stretched. In the cockpit, the throttle control was extended aft by 3 inches, while the mixture and propeller controls were found in the full forward position.
Engine Testing
During post-accident examination, the engine was started and operated normally, indicating no preexisting mechanical failure.
Maintenance Background
According to a mechanic, the throttle cable had been replaced prior to the accident flight. The final inspection mechanic stated that no cotter pin was installed at the throttle control arm in the engine compartment during a full travel check of the throttle. That mechanic did not re-inspect to confirm installation of a cotter pin. Conversely, the mechanic who replaced the cable reported installing a corrosion-resistant cotter pin after the travel check.
Operational History
The airplane had accumulated 1.6 flight hours since the cable replacement, including a post-inspection 45-minute flight by the pilot, a flight to Vero Beach, and the accident flight.