Incident Details
The pilot was at an altitude of 5,500 feet explaining to a passenger the procedures for an engine failure. As part of the demonstration, he reduced engine power and turned toward a forced landing area. When he attempted to increase throttle at 3,500 feet to change direction and return, the power lever felt unresponsive and the engine did not respond. The pilot continued with the forced landing without informing the passengers of the emergency. The pilot later stated he did not recall seeing power lines before the collision.
Witness Accounts
A front seat passenger reported to the responding Highway Patrol Officer that as the pilot tried to climb out from the approach, the airplane struck a power line and then the ground. A ground witness observed the airplane in a right descending turn heading toward an open field at the time of the accident.
Examination
Post-accident examination of the airframe, flight controls, and throttle assembly revealed no anomalies. The engine was mounted in a test stand, where it started and ran at idle power. After warm-up, the throttle was increased to 2,000 rpm for a magneto check. The throttle was then advanced to full power and returned to idle before the engine was shut down with the mixture control. No mechanical issues were identified.