Eurocopter AS 350/355/EC130 - Astar/Twinstar/Ecureuil
Flight Crew Instrument; Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP); Flight Crew Flight Instructor
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 76; Flight Crew Total 2500; Flight Crew Type 100
Troubleshooting; Situational Awareness; Time Pressure
Aircraft Equipment Problem Critical; Ground Event / Encounter Other / Unknown
Air Traffic Control Provided Assistance; Flight Crew Landed in Emergency Condition; Flight Crew Requested ATC Assistance / Clarification; General Maintenance Action
Aircraft
I was PIC in an Ercoupe 415D. We departed and intended to travel down the shoreline below the Class B airspace. I noticed a decrease in engine power to 1500 RPM. I attempted to increase throttle and noticed there was no response to increased or decreased throttle movement. The RPM stayed at 1500RPM. I first suspected possible carburetor icing; but after applying carb heat; this was determined not to be a factor. At this point; the aircraft lost airspeed and began to lose altitude. I reduced speed to best glide and advised my copilot to find ZZZ Tower frequency. I made a mayday call to ZZZ Tower and he advised us to proceed direct ZZZ. I advised we were unable and would be landing somewhere along the shore. He advised us of [a nearby road] as an option. I began to glide toward [the road] for landing. Shortly before touchdown; my copilot advised me of a bridge ahead. Considering speed; altitude; and energy; I opted to fly under the bridge and touchdown just after the bridge. The left lane traffic opened up allowing us a clear landing area. I applied heavy braking and brought the aircraft to a stop. Both occupants of the aircraft were uninjured and there was no damage to the aircraft. [We] concluded the throttle cable had broken at the throttle arm on the carburetor. The engine was operating normally; but there was no way to control the throttle position which was near idle.
Ercoupe 415 pilot reported a throttle linkage failure; and subsequent loss of power; which resulted in a successful off field landing on a nearby highway.