On May 14, 2005, an Ercoupe (eng & Research Corp.) 415C (registration N2406H) operated by Jerry Mayers was involved in an aviation accident near Saluda, VA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The carburetor mixture control cable was not properly secured, resulting in the mixture control arm being in the lean position while the cockpit control was in the full rich position. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
An airplane experienced a loss of engine power shortly after departure from a 2,270-foot runway. The pilot executed a forced landing, but the airplane struck a fence and tractor. Investigation revealed an improperly secured carburetor mixture control cable.
Accident Overview
An airplane sustained damage after it lost engine power during departure from a 2,270-foot-long runway. The aircraft had climbed to approximately 100 feet above ground level when the engine failed. The pilot attempted a forced landing in a nearby field, but the airplane collided with a fence and a tractor before coming to rest.
Examination Findings
A post-accident examination by a Federal Aviation Administration inspector found that the carburetor mixture control cable was not properly secured. The carburetor mixture control arm was observed in the lean position, while the cockpit mixture control was positioned at full rich. This discrepancy indicates that the mixture setting was not correctly transmitted to the engine.
Maintenance History
The airplane had accumulated about 35 hours of operation since its most recent annual inspection, which had been performed approximately one month before the accident. According to the airplane owner, the aircraft experienced several episodes of power loss after that inspection. A work order dated after the accident listed discrepancies with the airplane, including a notation that the "mixture cable [was] secured with zip ties and loose."
Probable cause
The carburetor mixture control cable was not properly secured, resulting in the mixture control arm being in the lean position while the cockpit control was in the full rich position.