Accident Details
On January 6, 2008, at 1010 eastern standard time, a Piper PA-28-161, registration N109ND, impacted the ground during a forced landing following a loss of engine power. The accident occurred in the Everglades, near Miami, Florida. The flight was operated by Silver Express Company under 14 CFR Part 91 as an instructional flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed for the local training flight. The Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) and Student Pilot reported no injuries. The airplane sustained substantial damage.
Sequence of Events
The CFI stated that they departed Tamiami-Executive Airport (KTMB) at 0800 en route to the training area. They spent approximately 30 minutes at 2,000 feet above ground level (AGL) practicing steep turns. After the lesson, they were returning to TMB for a full stop landing. They contacted the tower 10 miles west of the airport at 2,000 feet AGL and were instructed to report 4 miles away for a straight-in approach to runway 9L. At about 6 miles out, while at 1,500 feet altitude, the engine quit. The CFI immediately took control and established best glide speed. Several unsuccessful restart attempts were made. The CFI declared an emergency with the tower and selected an off-airport landing site that appeared smooth, but upon approach the area contained swamp and rocks. During touchdown, the nose and left main landing gear sheared off. After the airplane came to a complete stop, both occupants exited through the cabin door. The CFI contacted the flight school and chief pilot. Approximately 30 minutes after the accident, a Miami-Dade Fire Rescue helicopter arrived and transported the CFI and student back to TMB.
Examination Findings
An FAA Inspector examined the airplane and found the nose and left main landing gear separated, substantial damage to both wings, and wrinkling of the engine firewall. The engine examination revealed that the magnetos produced spark, cylinders had compression, and the engine rotated easily. Fuel filters were clean and bright, and fuel was observed at the carburetor. Examination of the throttle linkage found the throttle cable housing lower sleeve detached from the upper housing. With the cockpit throttle moved from idle to full power, the carburetor throttle arm could be held in idle with little force using one finger. The CFI later told the FAA Inspector that the throttle felt loose, and that the engine momentarily increased in power when the magneto switch was moved during the emergency checklist, but the power increase was brief and unsustainable, leading to the forced landing.