On October 17, 1999, a Cessna A185E (registration N85PR) operated by Jack A. Sellet was involved in an aviation accident near Lake Wales, FL. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The partial loss of engine power due to the inadequate annual inspection of the airplane by the mechanic with IA for his failure to assure that the mixture control cable jam nut at the rod end was secured following the reported adjustment by the airplane… This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
During cruise at 700-800 feet msl, the engine gradually lost power. The pilot attempted corrective actions but failed. During forced landing, the airplane struck a tree and nosed over. Post-accident examination found the mixture control cable separated from its rod end.
Accident Overview
During cruise flight at approximately 700-800 feet above mean sea level, the engine experienced a gradual loss of power. The pilot attempted to correct the loss of power but was unsuccessful. While descending for a forced landing, the airplane collided with a tree, then struck the ground, and nosed over.
Post-Accident Examination
An FAA airworthiness inspector conducted a post-accident examination of the airplane. The mixture control at the fuel metering valve was found approximately halfway between the midrange and idle cutoff positions. The mixture control cable was discovered separated from the rod end; the rod end remained attached to the bellcrank (mixture) at the airbox assembly. Damage to approximately 11 threads at the end of the mixture cable was noted.
Maintenance Records and Statements
Maintenance records were reportedly destroyed in a fire. The inspection authorization (IA) mechanic who performed the last annual inspection stated to the FAA inspector that the aircraft owner had adjusted the mixture cable rod end to achieve the correct cushion. The IA reported that he checked the adjustment but failed to verify the security of the jam nut at the rod end. The owner stated that he did not adjust the engine controls in the engine compartment and believed the IA had adjusted them. The pilot is not a certificated mechanic.