Piper PA-28-140 N4586R accident near Meeks Bay, California

Probable cause

A loss of engine power for reasons that could not be determined based on the available information.

NTSB analysis

The pilot was conducting a cross-country flight with one passenger on board the single-engine airplane. The pilot reported that, while approaching the Lake Tahoe area, he decided to perform a flight around the lake before continuing to his destination. While adding power to level off, he heard and felt a pop in the throttle handle and the rpm decreased. Subsequently, the throttle was not controlling the engine power and the rpm decreased to near idle. The pilot added full rich mixture and switched fuel tanks. Despite his actions the engine would not increase in power. The pilot made a radio call and pitched for best glide over the lake. The airplane nosed over after contacting the water; the pilot and passenger egressed and were soon rescued by nearby boaters.

The search efforts did not locate the airplane and the wreckage was not recovered; therefore, the airframe and engine could not be examined, and the reason for the loss of engine power could not be determined based on the available information.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR23LA249 for the full record.