On 13 Oct 2010, a CONRAD THEODORE J THORP T-18 was involved in an aviation accident near Fredericksburg, TX. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The clamp securing the throttle controller end was allowing the cable to slip freely, preventing engine response. This summary draws on records from NTSB.
During landing approach, the engine did not respond to throttle input due to a slipping cable clamp, causing the pilot to perform a tight pattern and float during touchdown, resulting in a runway overrun and ground loop with substantial wing damage.
Accident Description
While flying the downwind leg for a full-stop landing, the pilot reduced engine power to slow the airplane. When the pilot subsequently advanced the throttle, the engine did not respond. The pilot immediately turned the airplane toward the runway. Due to the tighter pattern and increased airspeed, the airplane floated during the landing. Upon touchdown, there was insufficient runway distance remaining for the airplane to stop. The airplane departed the end of the runway, and the pilot executed a ground loop to keep the airplane on airport property. Substantial damage was sustained to both wings.
Engine Examination
An examination of the engine revealed that the clamp securing the throttle controller end was allowing the cable to slip freely.
Probable cause
The clamp securing the throttle controller end was allowing the cable to slip freely, preventing engine response.