Introduction
The pilot had just retrieved the airplane from a maintenance facility where the engine had been disassembled and reinstalled by a mechanic. The mechanic performed several engine runs to check for leaks and proper rigging of the engine controls. During a pre-takeoff run-up, the pilot reported that the engine operated normally at 1,700 rpm.
Flight Details
Shortly after lift-off, the pilot noticed the engine did not seem to be producing full power, and the airplane would not climb above approximately 300 feet. The pilot decided to return to the airport. When he pulled the throttle control to idle, the engine power did not change. The engine continued to run at less than full throttle, and the pilot could not make any power adjustments, either up or down.
Descending toward the runway, the pilot was unable to reduce power. He continued to fly down the length of the runway until reaching the end. The pilot reported flying at low level and did not remember to shut off the engine using the mixture or magnetos. At the end of the runway, he banked the airplane to the left along a taxiway. The taxiway abruptly ended at a six-foot-high fence. The airplane collided with the fence and then struck numerous trees beyond it. The airplane sustained damage to the engine, wings, and fuselage.
The mechanic and another mechanic employee observed the airplane climb to about 500 feet and then return for landing. During the landing, the airplane touched down on the runway for approximately 5 to 7 seconds on the main landing gear tires, with the touchdown point appearing to be about mid-length of the runway. The airplane then lifted off to about 40 feet until reaching the end of the runway. It banked hard to the left, bounced the main wheels on the taxiway, and disappeared from view.
Post-Accident Examination
After the accident, the mechanic recovered the airplane. During a post-accident examination of the engine, the nut that clamps the throttle linkage to the carburetor throttle arm was found to be loose.