No fatalities

Engine Power Loss After Takeoff Leads to Forced Landing and Substantial Damage

Thomas, OK, United States

On May 9, 2008, a Piper PA-36 operated by Cornbread's Leasing Service was involved in an aviation accident near Thomas, OK. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The bolt holding the throttle linkage to the fuel servo was missing. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 12 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

SourcesNTSBPrimary reportUpdated 2026-08-03Data APIEditorial standards

An aerial application flight experienced engine power loss shortly after takeoff. The pilot reported the engine went to idle and could not restore power, resulting in a forced landing that substantially damaged the aircraft. Post-inspection found the throttle linkage bolt missing.

Incident Overview

A commercial pilot conducting an aerial application flight experienced a loss of engine power shortly after takeoff. The pilot reported that the engine seemed to go to idle and that he was unable to restore power. He then maneuvered the aircraft for a forced landing. During the landing, the aircraft sustained substantial damage.

Post-Accident Inspection

A subsequent inspection of the aircraft engine revealed that the bolt holding the throttle linkage to the fuel servo was missing. This finding was identified as the cause of the power loss.

Aircraft Details

The incident involved a single-engine airplane. No further details about the make, model, or registration were provided in the source.

Operational Context

The flight was an aerial application operation, such as crop dusting or similar agricultural work. The pilot was commercially certified. The exact location, date, and time of day were not specified.

Outcome

The aircraft was substantially damaged in the forced landing. No information was available regarding injuries to the pilot or any other persons, as the source did not address that aspect.

Probable cause

The bolt holding the throttle linkage to the fuel servo was missing.

Contributing factors

Causes

Engine (reciprocating) — Failure

Other contributing factors

Runway/land/takeoff/taxi surfa