Accident Details
A pilot and an observer were conducting a fire patrol flight near Fremont, Michigan. While proceeding east at approximately 2,500 feet mean sea level, the pilot noticed the manifold pressure had dropped to about 30 inches of mercury (Hg). Moving the throttle in and out several times produced no change in power. The pilot turned 180 degrees toward Fremont Airport, but upon completing the turn, the manifold pressure had further fallen to 15 inches Hg.
With no suitable landing area ahead—only trees—the pilot spotted a farm field beneath and to the left. He decided to put the airplane down in the field. The pilot left the wheels and flaps retracted because he was "low, slow, and short." The field was short, and during the flare, the airplane hit the ground hard. The pilot did not recall the aircraft nosing over and coming to rest on its back.
Investigation
An examination of the airplane's engine revealed that the throttle cable was broken at the linkage to the throttle box lever arm. No other anomalies were found with the aircraft. The broken cable prevented throttle control, resulting in the loss of engine power that led to the forced landing.