Probable cause
The disconnected throttle linkage resulting in the loss of engine power during takeoff-initial climb. A factor contributing to the accident was the muddy forced landing site.
NTSB analysis
The commercial pilot had just departed for an aerial application flight when shortly after takeoff the airplane's engine lost power. The pilot reported that the engine seemed to go to idle, and that he was unable to restore power. During the forced landing, the airplane was substantially damaged. A postaccident inspection of the engine revealed that the bolt holding the throttle linkage to the fuel servo was missing. Because of the missing bolt, the throttle linkage became disconnected, and the pilot was unable to restore engine power.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for DFW08CA136 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- May 9, 2008
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Thomas, Oklahoma
- Nearest airport
- Thomas P Stafford (F91)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Piper PA-36
- N-number
- N2368Y
- Category
- Airplane
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 137 (agricultural)
- Purpose of flight
- Aerial application
From the NTSB aviation accident database: N-registered aircraft, events since 2008, data through Oct 28, 2026. The file is published monthly, so the latest weeks are incomplete and recent records can change. The official source is the NTSB aviation investigation search. CheckAero is independent and not affiliated with the NTSB.