What happened
Shortly after departing the airport, the aircraft experienced a sudden drop in engine power to idle. This malfunction forced the pilot to perform an emergency landing in a field located approximately 3 miles north of the airport. The pilot and occupants were not injured during this initial event.
Following the forced landing, an airport mechanic inspected the engine. During this inspection, it was discovered that the throttle cable had disconnected from the throttle linkage because a nut and bolt had become loose. While the mechanic performed the required repairs, the pilot evaluated the field and concluded there was enough clearance to attempt another takeoff.
Upon completing the repairs, the pilot attempted a second takeoff. As the aircraft lifted off the ground, the left main landing gear struck a mound of dirt. The force of this impact sheared the mounting bolt, causing the left main landing gear to separate from the airplane. The pilot managed to fly the aircraft back to the airport, where the plane came to rest on its left wing tip.