Accident Sequence
The pilot reported that while performing take-offs and landings, the engine went to idle during the downwind leg of the traffic pattern. He attempted to land on the runway but the airplane struck a fence short of the runway.
Aircraft Examination
Post-accident examination of the airplane revealed that the outer flexible sheath of the throttle cable had come loose from the crimped metal sleeve that was part of the instrument panel fitting. As a result, movement of the cockpit throttle control would not actuate the throttle arm of the carburetor.
Maintenance History
The airplane was manufactured in 1946. The throttle cable appeared to be original, and no entry indicating replacement of the cable was found in the airplane's maintenance records.