Pilot Debrief

CESSNA 182 near Los Angeles, CA — 2020-11-12

Final reportWPR21FA048
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Date
2020-11-12
Location
Los Angeles, CA, USA
Airport
WHP
Aircraft
CESSNA 182
Registration
N939CP
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Fatal
Fatalities
1
Phase of flight
Approach

Probable cause

Maintenance personnel’s failure to properly secure the throttle control hardware during recent maintenance, which resulted in its disconnection and a subsequent loss of engine power on approach for landing.

NTSB narrative

While on final approach to the runway, the pilot reported to the tower controller a loss of engine power, and that he was attempting to make the runway. Shortly thereafter, the airplane collided with power lines in a residential area about 175 ft short of the runway threshold. A postaccident fire consumed the wreckage. Postaccident examination of the wreckage revealed that the engine’s throttle control rod was separated from the throttle body control arm. None of the attachment hardware, which comprised of a bolt, washer, castellated nut, and cotter pin, was found. Additionally, no evidence of impact damage was noted in the throttle lever linkage control rod end or the control arm where it attached. The airplane’s most recent annual inspection was 78 flight hours and about 2 months before the accident. During the inspection, a new engine was installed. Based on the available information, it is likely that the throttle control connecting hardware was improperly installed or secured during the most recent maintenance, which resulted in its disconnection and a loss of engine power and throttle control while on final approach.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Engine power loss
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have executed a go-around after reporting engine trouble.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • ADS-B / radar
  • 14 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents14

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