This November 2008 accident report is provided by the National Transportation Safety Board. Published as an educational tool, it is intended to help pilots learn from the misfortunes of others.
Aircraft: Corben Ace. Injuries: 1 Serious. Location: Cherryville, N.C. Aircraft damage: Destroyed.
What reportedly happened: The experimental, amateur-built airplane was manufactured in 1973. The airplane had been operated for about 445 hours, and four hours since its most recent inspection, which was performed about two months before the accident. The pilot had logged 611 hours, including about four hours in the accident airplane. The pilot reported that shortly after takeoff the airplane’s throttle could not be advanced and became stuck in the idle position. The airplane crashed in trees and came to rest on the ground in a vertical attitude.
The post-accident examination of the throttle control revealed that it moved freely throughout its range of motion both before and after the carburetor was heated to operating temperatures using a heat-gun.
Probable cause: A throttle control malfunction during initial climb, as reported by the pilot.
For more information: NTSB.gov
The same thing happened to me while I was on cruising altitude in a C172. And I crash landed. Post accident inspection revealed that the throttle linkage at the carb came loose. I suggest a spring be installed at the carb
to rev the engine if the same happens again.
Why was the throttle reduced to idle after take-off? Nothing is said about a reduction to idle .
Could it be a mis-operation of the throttle thinking it was another control, then trying to operate the other control to increase RPM’s thinking it was the throttle. Should pilot take a refresher course in how to fly?