Pilot Debrief

CESSNA 150 near Arden, NC — 2021-07-23

Final reportERA21LA297
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Date
2021-07-23
Location
Arden, NC, USA
Airport
AVL
Aircraft
CESSNA 150
Registration
N3059X
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Climb

Probable cause

The inadequate inspection of the throttle control cable assembly, which resulted in a partial loss of engine power during cruise flight.

NTSB narrative

The student pilot was climbing through 5,100 feet mean sea level when the engine “went to idle.” He attempted to adjust the throttle setting; however, the tachometer continued to indicate 740 rpm. The pilot established best glide speed, declared an emergency, and performed a forced landing into a coal ash pit, during which the airplane nosed over, resulting in substantial damage. Examination of the engine revealed that the throttle control cable had separated from the throttle control lever and there was no spring installed. The securing hardware (bolt/washer/cotter pin) was not found. It is likely that the absence of the cotter pin was not noted during the annual inspection 15 hours before the accident, which allowed the bolt holding the throttle cable to the throttle control lever to loosen and depart during flight, resulting in an engine power reduction to idle.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Mechanical failure
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have aborted the flight after engine power loss at 5,100 feet.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • Photos
  • 8 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents8

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