What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1999-10-02 involved a Piper PA-12, registration N2493M, at Las Cruces, NM.

Landing Incident Involving Throttle Control Malfunction and Ground Loop (N2493M)

On October 2, 1999, a Piper PA-12 (registration N2493M) was involved in an aviation accident near Las Cruces, NM. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The clamp securing the throttle sleeve to the throttle housing had come loose, allowing the sleeve (not the cable) to move when the throttle control was operated. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

During final approach, the pilot experienced engine power too high despite closed throttle. After a go-around and mixture cutoff attempts, the aircraft touched down fast, ground looped, and sustained wing and landing gear damage.

Incident Summary

A pilot reported difficulty controlling engine power while on final approach to runway 26. Despite fully retarding the throttle, engine power remained too high. On a second approach, the same issue occurred with the throttle closed, prompting a go-around.

Sequence of Events

During the second go-around, when the airplane was 50 feet above ground, the pilot slowly moved the mixture control towards idle cutoff in an attempt to reduce power. The aircraft touched down at high speed. The pilot then lost directional control after becoming distracted, causing the airplane to ground loop to the right. The left wing buckled upon striking the runway, and side loads tore off the left main landing gear and damaged the right main landing gear.

Mechanical Findings

An investigation revealed that the clamp securing the throttle sleeve to the throttle housing had come loose. This allowed the sleeve to move independently of the throttle cable when the throttle control was operated, preventing proper power reduction.

Probable cause

The clamp securing the throttle sleeve to the throttle housing had come loose, allowing the sleeve (not the cable) to move when the throttle control was operated.

1999-10-02: Piper PA-12 (N2493M) — Las Cruces, NM