M-20 B/C Ranger
Flight Crew Private
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 3; Flight Crew Total 216; Flight Crew Type 95
Human-Machine Interface
Aircraft Equipment Problem Critical; Ground Event / Encounter Ground Strike - Aircraft
Aircraft Aircraft Damaged; Flight Crew Inflight Shutdown; Flight Crew Landed in Emergency Condition; General Maintenance Action
Human Factors; Aircraft; Procedure
While practicing a VOR approach with a flight instructor; engine response to throttle was lost with engine at 15 inches of manifold pressure. Gear was raised and flight was continued to position for landing. On final approach; engine was shut down and landing gear and flaps deployed. Altitude required a steeper than normal approach resulting in higher than desired airspeed to reach the runway. There was a bounce on landing resulting in a minor prop strike. Without throttle control a go-around was not an option. This occurrence does not meet the standard for an aircraft accident or serious incident as defined in Part 830. This aircraft had been flown for 20 hours since overhaul. It was later determined that the throttle cable was disconnected from the carburetor; but no parts were discovered. The throttle connection had been checked by the Mechanic and by another pilot prior to the aircraft being flown.
M20 pilot reports a throttle failure during a practice VOR approach with an instructor on board. The power is fixed at 15 inches MAP. The engine is shut down on final but the resulting approach is high and fast resulting in a bounced landing and a prop strike. The engine had been recently overhauled.