N16345

On June 27, 1995, about 0300 eastern daylight time, a Piper PA-28-235, N16345, collided with trees during a forced landing near Summerville, South Carolina. The private pilot was not injured, and the aircraft was substantially damaged. The aircraft was operated under the provisions of 14 CFR Part 91 by the pilot. Visual meteorological conditions existed at the time, and no flight plan was filed for the business flight. The flight was originating from the Dorchester County Airport in Summerville at the time of the accident.

The pilot reported that his intentions were to fly the airplane to St. George, South Carolina, about 15 miles to the northwest of Summerville. During the initial climb, the engine began to run roughly, and lost power. He was unable to return to the runway, and force landed the airplane in a wooded area. The aircraft impacted trees during the landing, resulting in structural damage.

During the engine examination following the accident, the carburetor mixture control linkage was found disconnected, and the screw that joined the linkage and the valve was absent. When started, the engine ran roughly, until the mixture control valve was held, by hand, in the rich position.