Incident Overview
While engaged in traffic reporting duties, the pilot of a single-engine airplane encountered a partial loss of engine power at an altitude of 1,000 feet, approximately 6 miles southwest of Albert Whitted Municipal Airport. The engine began to sputter, prompting the pilot to execute the emergency checklist. She turned the aircraft toward Albert Whitted Municipal Airport and made a radio call. Despite attempts to regain cruise power, the engine produced insufficient power to maintain altitude.
Ditching and Rescue
The pilot subsequently performed a forced landing in shallow water near Tierra Verde. Both the pilot and a passenger were rescued from the airplane. No injuries were reported in the incident.
Examination Findings
An FAA inspector examined the airplane following the ditching. The inspection revealed that the throttle control cable clamp, located just aft of the carburetor, was loose from the throttle housing. This condition caused the cable to bow upward, preventing it from fully manipulating the throttle control arm. The loose clamp was identified as the direct cause of the engine power loss.