Accident Overview
On November 12, 2016, at approximately 1800 central standard time, a Cessna P210N airplane, registration N44C, was substantially damaged during a forced landing to a road one mile from the Pleasanton Municipal Airport (PEZ) in Pleasanton, Texas. The commercial pilot sustained serious injuries and the passenger sustained minor injuries. The personal flight was conducted under 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 in visual meteorological conditions. No flight plan was filed.
Flight History
The flight departed South Texas Regional Airport at Hondo (HDO) in Hondo, Texas, around 1740, and was en route to Mustang Beach Airport (RAS) in Port Aransas, Texas.
Pilot's Account
According to the pilot, he moved the engine throttle control in 1/8 inch and experienced a partial loss of power. He turned the airplane toward PEZ and executed the emergency checklist, during which additional power was lost. The pilot later stated that the engine continued to run without hesitation or roughness, as if at idle power. Realizing he would not reach the airport, he prepared for a forced landing on the airport road. During the landing, the airplane struck a car. There were no ground injuries.
Damage and Examination
A Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector noted substantial damage to the fuselage and both wings. A post-accident examination revealed that the hardware attaching the throttle valve lever to the throttle cable rod-end was missing. The missing hardware was not found at the accident site; it would have included a washer, bolt, castellated nut, and cotter pin. No other anomalies were found.
Maintenance History
According to copies of maintenance records provided by the pilot, an annual inspection was completed on June 9, 2016. On September 26, 2016, an overhauled starter adapter was installed. This maintenance would have required removing the throttle body and linkages to access the starter adapter. Investigators were unable to speak with the maintenance personnel who performed the work.