Champion Citabria 7ECA
Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP); Flight Crew Flight Instructor; Flight Crew Instrument; Flight Crew Multiengine
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 50; Flight Crew Total 24000; Flight Crew Type 50
Aircraft Equipment Problem Less Severe; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy; Inflight Event / Encounter Fuel Issue
Air Traffic Control Provided Assistance; Flight Crew Overcame Equipment Problem; Flight Crew Requested ATC Assistance / Clarification; General Flight Cancelled / Delayed; General Maintenance Action
Aircraft
On descent for landing ZZZ engine lost all power. I immediately told ZZZ tower that I had a priority situation and was experiencing engine failure. I rocked the wings; turned fuel back and forth; put throttle in out; mixture also; along with checking mags etc. Engine finally came back to some power and then all power returned. Continued on for a successful landing at ZZZ. Upon parking aircraft at the hanger had fuel topped off; it took 24 gallons to top. I had 12 gallons remaining. Checked airplane out with mechanic and found broken mixture control cable as the cause. Cable was completely severed at the carburetor.
Citabria pilot reported loss of engine power on approach due to broken mixture cable and continued to a successful landing.