PA-28 Cherokee/Archer/Dakota/Pillan/Warrior
Flight Crew Commercial; Flight Crew Instrument
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 60; Flight Crew Total 315; Flight Crew Type 3
Aircraft Equipment Problem Critical
Air Traffic Control Provided Assistance; Flight Crew Overcame Equipment Problem; Flight Crew Took Evasive Action; General Maintenance Action
Aircraft
While in the downwind for Runway 24; the throttle for the PA28 became stuck in a high power setting (2500 RPM). The throttle could not be retarded and airspeed continued to increase. This caused us (the 2 commercial pilots on board) to reject the landing and divert to [a nearby airport] because it had a 7;500 foot runway. We needed a long runway so we could properly stop. We [advised ATC] and had the fire trucks waiting for our arrival. The throttle was stuck in the high power setting the entire time. On landing; over the 1;000 feet markers; we decided to shut off the fuel mixture to allow the plane to safely glide and land. The landing was uneventful. There were no injuries; fatalities; or damage to the aircraft.
The non-flying pilot of a PA28 reported a throttle control that malfunctioned in a high power setting. A diversion to a nearby airport with a longer runway resulted in successful landing.