Pilot Debrief

CESSNA 172N near Pompano Beach, FL — 2011-11-01

Final reportERA12LA058
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Date
2011-11-01
Location
Pompano Beach, FL, USA
Airport
PMP
Aircraft
CESSNA 172N
Registration
N739JN
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Minor
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Approach

Probable cause

The separation of the throttle cable from its fitting, which resulted in an inability to control engine power. Contributing to the accident was the inadequate maintenance by the owner.

NTSB narrative

According to the pilot, while the airplane was descending on final approach, the throttle control became unresponsive. Although multiple settings were attempted, the engine remained at idle rpm, and the pilot made a forced landing on a road. The airplane collided with a lightpost and sustained substantial damage to the fuselage. Although initial examination of the engine did not reveal any preimpact mechanical anomalies that would have precluded normal operation, further examination revealed that the throttle cable had separated from its housing/end fitting. As a result, the throttle cable could not actuate the carburetor control, and the engine remained at idle rpm. A review of the airframe and engine logbooks revealed that the throttle cable was not maintained correctly and was never maintained in accordance with the manufacturer’s service manual.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Mechanical failure
First missed decision gate
Throttle cable condition should have been checked during last inspection.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents12

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