Flight and Engine Failure
A pilot/mechanic who had performed an annual inspection and installed an overhauled engine elected to fly the airplane. During takeoff, engine indications were normal. The airplane climbed to about 500 feet above ground level when the engine experienced a sudden power loss and the rpm decreased.
Forced Landing
The pilot maneuvered the airplane in a 180-degree turn back toward the airport. He overshot the runway and conducted an off-airport forced landing. The airplane sustained substantial damage.
Investigation Findings
Federal Aviation Administration inspectors who responded to the scene discovered that the throttle control linkage was not connected to the carburetor throttle plate arm. The associated bolt, castellated nut, and cotter pin were missing.
Pilot/Mechanic Statement
The pilot/mechanic stated that he had connected the throttle control linkage but could not remember if he had installed the cotter pin.