N1037V

On September 21, 2005, about 1800 Pacific daylight time, a Cessna 180H, N1037V, registered to and operated by the pilot as a 14 CFR Part 91 flight, experienced a loss of engine power shortly after takeoff from the Flying B airstrip located near Yelm, Washington. The pilot initiated an off airport emergency landing to an open field where during the landing roll, the aircraft collided with several fences. The aircraft was substantially damage and the private helicopter pilot was not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time and no flight plan was filed. The aircraft was departing at the time with an intended destination to Spanaway, Washington.

The pilot reported in a written statement that he had a hard time starting the engine. Thinking that it was still hot from the previous flight, he pulled the mixture to lean and the engine eventually started. The pilot then put the mixture control to the rich position. The engine run-up was accomplished prior to takeoff with no abnormalities noted. The pilot stated that after takeoff, at about 200 feet above ground level, the engine quit. The pilot initiated a turn to an open field and pumped the throttle, then the mixture control. The engine started momentarily before losing power again. The pilot then landed the aircraft in an open field. During the landing roll, the aircraft collided with several fences.

Post accident inspection of the engine by a local Inspection Authorization mechanic found that the retaining nut and washer on the mixture cable attach bolt was missing. The mechanic operated the mixture cable and found that the lever on the carburetor did not move stop-to-stop. When operating the mixture stop-to-stop from the pilot's seat, the lever on the carburetor slipped and would not stay in preset position in relation to the mixture cable. Further inspection of the engine did not find any other mechanical failures or malfunctions that would preclude the engine from running.

The pilot had recently purchased this aircraft and was taking instruction for the single-engine land rating. The pilot stated that the last annual inspection on the aircraft and engine was approximately 27 hours prior to the accident.