ERA11CA108

Factual narrative

According to the pilot, the airplane had returned to service after being restored by a licensed airframe and powerplant mechanic with inspection authorization. The pilot performed several takeoffs and landings prior to the accident flight, and the airplane seemed normal. The pilot subsequently took off again and flew to another airport where he completed a simulated instrument approach to about 50 feet above the runway. He then commenced a go around and was over the departure end of the runway, about 300 feet above the ground, when the engine had a partial power loss. The pilot maneuvered the airplane to a forced landing in a hay field, and during the landing roll, the horizontal stabilizer struck a hay bale resulting in substantial damage to the empennage. A subsequent examination of the wreckage by a Federal Aviation Administration inspector revealed that a cotter pin was not installed on the throttle arm retaining nut. The throttle arm retaining nut was finger tight and the throttle arm was loose. According to the pilot, the airplane had returned to service after being restored by an airframe and powerplant mechanic with inspection authorization. The pilot performed several takeoffs and landings prior to the accident flight, and noted that the airplane seemed to operate normally. The pilot departed to another airport where he completed a simulated instrument approach to about 50 feet above the runway. He then commenced a go-around over the departure end of the runway with the airplane about 300 feet above the ground. The engine experienced a partial loss of power and the pilot maneuvered the airplane a hay field, where he performed a forced landing. During the landing roll, the horizontal stabilizer struck a hay bale resulting in substantial damage to the empennage. A postaccident examination of the wreckage by a Federal Aviation Administration inspector revealed that a cotter pin was not installed on the throttle arm retaining nut. The throttle arm retaining nut was finger tight and the throttle arm was loose, which resulted in excessive play in the throttle linkage. Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database Retrieved: 2026-02-12

NTSB Findings

FAA avdata. C = Cause, F = Factor.

• C Aircraft-Aircraft power plant-Engine fuel and control-Fuel control/carburetor-Incorrect service/maintenance - C
• C Personnel issues-Task performance-Maintenance-Installation-Maintenance personnel - C