Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
improper installation of a throttle cable clamp by an unknown person, resulting in a loose throttle cable housing and an inability to control the throttle position; and failure of the pilot to maintain adequate airspeed during an approach for an emergency (forced) landing, which resulted in a stall and collision with the terrain.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Historical)
Analysis
On December 15, 1996, about 1515 central standard time, a Wiedemann experimental airplane, N19VX, registered to a private owner, operating as a 14 CFR Part 91 personal flight, experienced a loss of engine rpm on initial takeoff climb, and crashed during a forced landing in the vicinity of Montgomery, Alabama. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed. The airplane sustained substantial damage and the private pilot reported no injuries. The flight originated about 5 minutes before the accident.
The pilot stated that he turned crosswind at 700 feet and experienced a decrease in engine rpm. He adjusted the mixture and turned the carburetor heat on. The airplane would not sustain flight. He made a forced landing to an open field, the airplane nosed over and came to rest inverted.
Examination of the crash site by the FAA revealed no evidence of any wheel tracks on the ground showing any kind of ground roll. The FAA inspector concluded that the pilot attempted to stretch his glide, stalled the airplane, and crashed about 700 to 1,000 feet short of the runway.
Examination of the aircraft engine revealed an Adell clamp holding the throttle cable in place was not installed correctly. The rubber bushing was reversed with the split to the inside, which prevented the throttle housing from moving correctly with a pilot induced throttle application.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# MIA97LA039