Downer Bellanca 14-19-3 N7640E accident near N. Little Rock, Arkansas

Probable cause

The loss of engine power due to the incorrect and improper installation of throttle and mixture cables by unknown maintenance personnel.

NTSB analysis

Prior to the flight, the airplane's fuel tanks were topped off with fuel, and the airplane pre-flight was normal. During initial takeoff climb approximately 200 feet above ground level (agl), the pilot retracted the landing gear and the engine lost power. Prior to the loss of engine power, the pilot did not hear a bang, sputter, or any indication of an engine problem. The pilot attempted to restart the engine; however, the restart was unsuccessful. The pilot initiated a forced landing and tried to land on the remaining runway surface. The airplane touched down off the runway surface, impacted terrain, and came to rest upright. Examination of the airframe and engine showed that the mixture and throttle cables were routed incorrectly, and the two cables were longer than the original cables. The original drawings showed that the cables exited the firewall and were routed up to the center cylinders and looped back to the fuel control unit. The accident airplane cables exited the firewall and were routed up to the forward cylinders (in proximity of the nose landing gear retraction assembly), and then looped back 180 degrees to the fuel control unit. The fuel control unit was mounted under and aft of the engine. The inspector noted contact with the mixture cable and the nose landing gear retraction assembly. During the landing gear retraction, the mixture cable was snagged by the gear retraction mechanism and disrupted the fuel system which resulted in the loss of engine power.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for DEN08LA095 for the full record.