Accident Description
A certified flight instructor (CFI) and a student pilot were conducting a training flight focused on emergency procedures. The student had been instructed to configure the airplane for slow flight. When the CFI directed the student to increase engine power, the engine only reached approximately 1900 revolutions per minute (rpm). Taking control, the CFI applied carburetor heat, which caused the engine rpm to drop to 1000. The carburetor heat was then turned off.
Unable to maintain altitude, the CFI selected a fairway on a nearby golf course and established an approach for a forced landing. During the approach, the airplane collided with a light pole and subsequently spun horizontally into trees.
Aircraft Examination
Post-accident examination revealed that the right wing assembly had separated from the airframe. Inspection of the engine compartment showed that the throttle cable was completely disconnected from the carburetor throttle arm, which was found in the idle position. The connecting hardware was not located or recovered from the accident site.
Maintenance Records
Review of the aircraft records indicated that the carburetor had been installed approximately 9 hours before the accident flight.
Conclusion
The investigation documented the mechanical condition of the throttle system but did not assign a probable cause.