Accident Overview
During the landing phase, the engine of an airplane lost power, resulting in a collision with trees and a subsequent hard landing in an open dirt field. The pilot had been on the downwind leg and lowered the landing gear when the engine began to run rough. The landing gear stopped at approximately halfway down. Attempts to add power did not produce a corresponding increase, prompting the pilot to set up for an emergency landing.
Examination Findings
A visual external inspection of the engine revealed that the mixture cable was entangled in the nose landing gear. When the landing gear was lowered, the mixture cable was pulled out of its sleeve, placing the engine in a full lean position.
Maintenance Background
The mixture, throttle, and propeller cables had been recently installed by the pilot and his two partners. None of these individuals held Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) mechanic certifications, and a certified mechanic had not returned the airplane to service following the installation. The last entry in the aircraft logbook was made six months prior to the accident.