NASA

I began to smell something burning, and at the same time, the flaps had come to a stop. I instructed the student to end the maneuver. By this time, smoke started to fill the cabin.

The bolt holding the throttle cable fell off due to being improperly secured after a carburetor replacement approximately five hours before the malfunction.

Although we did not see smoke or fire, we declared a “PAN PAN PAN” and diverted to the closest airport.

One target caught my eye as it was on a collision course with me. Shortly after I arrested my climb I watched their N number pass by approximately 200 feet above us, off my nose.

The engine went quiet for a moment, almost like it skipped a beat. Then within three to five seconds later it happened again.

In his first emergency situation as a pilot, several thoughts went through his head: 1. This is really happening. 2. I can make the airport, I am going to be ok, the engine is still running, do not panic. 3. Is there something wrong with the fuel I just put in the airplane? There was nothing wrong with the sample I took. 4. How am I getting home now? My dog is unattended and I have to be at work in the morning.

My CFI froze in a priority situation while I was flying under goggles at night. I cannot think of a scenario where this is acceptable.

On climb out, a loud tapping was heard and suspected to come from the front of the Sundowner 23.

On takeoff I recognized the stall warning horn and an abnormal pitch up after rotation. I immediately provided full forward pressure on the stick and received no response. I proceeded to reduce power and add full forward trim, which lowered the nose of the aircraft. It became clear that the plane did not have elevator control.