Accident Overview
A private pilot, accompanied by his adult son, departed on a local area flight with the intention of returning to their private fly-in community. During the initial climb, the pilot attempted to reduce engine power using the throttle but found that the engine rpm remained at takeoff power, indicating a loss of throttle control.
Sequence of Events
The pilot decided to return to the departure airport for an emergency landing. The airplane touched down with the engine still producing takeoff power. The pilot aborted the landing and initiated a climb. As the airplane began to climb, the engine rpm decreased and power was lost. The pilot then selected an emergency landing area containing 75-foot tall trees. The airplane collided with the trees, sustaining extensive damage to the wings, fuselage, and empennage. A post-impact fire ensued, trapping both the pilot and his son inside the burning fuselage. The pilot's son was able to free the pilot before the airplane was consumed by the fire.
Postaccident Examination
A postaccident engine examination revealed that the bolt connecting the throttle linkage to the fuel control arm was missing, and the throttle linkage was disconnected from the fuel control arm. This mechanical failure prevented the pilot from adjusting engine power.
Maintenance Records
According to an FAA airworthiness inspector who reviewed the accident airplane's maintenance logbooks, there was no entry in the logbook indicating that any maintenance or repairs had been conducted on the throttle linkage to the fuel control arm.