Probable cause
The failure of the throttle cable clevis swage. Contributing to the accident was the uneven terrain available for landing.
NTSB analysis
The pilot was within 5 miles of his destination airport at the termination of a short cross country flight at 2000 feet above ground level. When the pilot reduced throttle to begin his descent the engine went to idle and throttle control was no longer available. The pilot decided to attempt to make his destination airport but landed in an open field short of the runway. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing main spar. The pilot received no injuries. Upon investigation of the engine it was discovered that the throttle cable clevis swag failed at the cable housing and throttle control was no longer available.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for DFW08CA149 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- May 2, 2008
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- San Marcos, Texas
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Bellanca 14-13-3A
- N-number
- N1255R
- Category
- Airplane
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Personal
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.