N2296J

On November 20, 1995, at 1255 eastern standard time (est), a Mielec M-18A, N2296J, piloted by a commercial pilot, sustained substantial damage when during cruise flight the airplane's engine lost power. The airplane subsequently impacted the terrain. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident. The flight was conducted under 14 CFR Part 91. A flight plan was not on file. The pilot reported no injuries. The flight originated near Lapeer, Michigan at 1225 est, and was en route to Nunica, Michigan.

In his written statement, the pilot reported being in cruise flight at 2,000 feet mean sea level (MSL) when the airplane began losing altitude. Engine power had been set for 27 inches of mercury (Hg) manifold pressure, but was indicating 19 inches Hg. "The carburetor air temperature was indicating near zero degrees centigrade." The pilot applied carburetor heat and observed an increase in carburetor air temperature, but no change in manifold pressure. He advanced the throttle and tried to find a "configuration that would maintain altitude with the available power." These efforts proved unsuccessful.

The pilot maneuvered the airplane over a harvested cornfield. He was 10 feet above the ground when he retarded the throttle to idle. There was no change in power. There were houses at the end of the field in the pilot's flight path. Concerned that he might not be able to stop the airplane in the field before reaching the houses, the pilot "cut the fuel off to the engine and began a left turn to avoid the houses." To reach the fuel shutoff knob, the pilot had to switch hands on the controls. During this exchange, the airplane "gained altitude and slowed." The airplane was 20 feet above the ground and in a left bank when the engine stopped producing power. The airplane impacted the terrain hard causing the "left landing gear to fail," and bending the "rear center-section spar of the left wing."

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector who examined the wreckage at the site reported finding the airplane with its nose buried in the muddy field. The left gear had separated from the airplane. There was substantial damage to the left wing and propeller. Examination of the engine revealed that the threaded end of the throttle push-pull cable had separated from the fork connector at the carburetor leaving the throttle open at approximately 18 inches Hg manifold pressure. No other mechanical anomalies were found.