Incident Details
The pilot reported difficulty starting the engine prior to the flight. Believing the engine was still hot from the previous flight, he leaned the mixture, and the engine eventually started. Subsequently, he returned the mixture control to the rich position. An engine run-up performed before takeoff revealed no abnormalities.
After takeoff, at approximately 200 feet above ground level, the engine lost power. The pilot initiated a turn toward an open field and began pumping the throttle, followed by the mixture control. The engine momentarily regained power before losing it again. The pilot then executed a landing in the open field. During the landing roll, the aircraft collided with several fences.
Post-Accident Inspection
A post-accident inspection of the engine by a local Inspection Authorization mechanic found that the retaining nut and washer on the mixture cable attach bolt were missing. When the mechanic operated the mixture cable, the lever on the carburetor did not move stop-to-stop. Additionally, when the mixture control was operated stop-to-stop from the pilot's seat, the lever on the carburetor slipped and failed to stay in the preset position relative to the mixture cable. No other mechanical failures or malfunctions that would have precluded the engine from running were discovered during the inspection.
An annual inspection had been completed approximately 27 flight hours prior to the accident.