Piper PA-28-161 N109ND accident near Miami, Florida

Probable cause

A loss of engine power due to inadequate maintenance inspection resulting in a worn throttle housing going undetected and failing.

NTSB analysis

According to the certified flight instructor (CFI), they had departed Tamiami-Executive Airport (KTMB) at 0800 en route to the training area. He stated that they were at the training area for about 30-minutes, at 2000 feet above ground level (AGL), practicing steep turns. After the training lesson they were returning to their destination for a full stop landing. They contacted the tower 10-miles west of the airport at 2000 feet AGL and were instructed to report 4-miles away from the airport on a straight in approach for runway 9L. At 1500 feet of altitude about 6 miles out the engine lost power. The CFI stated that he immediately took the flight controls and set up for best glide speed. Several unsuccessful attempts were made to restart the engine. The CFI contacted the tower and declared an emergency. Examination of the throttle linkage found the throttle cable housing lower sleeve detached from the upper housing. When the throttle in the cockpit was moved from idle to full power the carburetor throttle arm could be held in idle with little force with one finger.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for MIA08LA036 for the full record.