What happened
A commercial certificated pilot had recently retrieved the airplane from a maintenance facility following an engine disassembly and reinstallation. After performing a standard engine run-up to 1,700 rpm, the pilot attempted takeoff. Shortly after lift-off, the engine failed to produce full power, preventing the aircraft from climbing above approximately 300 feet.
Upon deciding to return to the airport, the pilot attempted to pull the throttle control to idle, but the engine power remained unchanged. The pilot was unable to make any adjustments to the power, whether increasing or decreasing it. During the descent, the pilot continued down the length of the runway because the power could not be reduced. The pilot noted that while flying at a low level, he did not remember to shut off the engine using the mixture or magnetos.
As the aircraft reached the end of the runway, the pilot banked the airplane to the left toward a taxiway. The taxiway ended abruptly at a six-foot-high fence, which the airplane struck. The aircraft then collided with numerous trees beyond the fence, resulting in damage to the engine, wings, and fuselage. Witnesses, including a mechanic and another employee, observed the aircraft climb to about 500 feet before returning for landing. During the landing, the aircraft touched down mid-length of the runway, remained on the main landing gear tires for 5 to 7 seconds, and then lifted off to an altitude of approximately 40 feet until reaching the end of the runway.
The investigation
A post-accident examination of the engine revealed that the nut clamping the throttle linkage to the carburetor throttle arm was loose.