Accident Overview
On July 23, 2021, at approximately 1830 eastern daylight time, a Cessna 150F, registration N3059X, sustained substantial damage during a forced landing near Arden, North Carolina. The student pilot, the sole occupant, was not injured. The flight was conducted under Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a personal flight.
Flight and Engine Power Loss
The pilot departed Asheville Regional Airport (AVL) in Asheville, North Carolina. While climbing through 5,100 feet mean sea level, the engine power dropped to idle. The pilot attempted to adjust the throttle setting, but the tachometer continued to indicate 740 rpm. After establishing best glide speed and declaring an emergency, the pilot turned back toward AVL. When it became clear that the airport could not be reached, the pilot executed a forced landing into a coal ash pit. During the landing roll, the airplane nosed over.
Post-Accident Examination
A Federal Aviation Administration inspector examined the accident site and found substantial damage to the left wing, rudder, and fuselage. The engine throttle cable had separated from the carburetor throttle control lever. The securing hardware—a bolt, washer, and cotter pin—was not located, and there was no evidence of impact damage to the lever or carburetor. After the airplane was recovered, examination of the carburetor revealed the throttle control lever was in the full forward (wide-open) position, matching the cockpit control position. The throttle control cable was separated from the intact lever. Further inspection showed that a spring was not installed on the throttle control lever.
Maintenance History
Review of maintenance records and the tachometer indicated that the accident occurred 15 hours after the airplane's most recent annual inspection.