Small Aircraft; Low Wing; 1 Eng; Fixed Gear
Flight Crew Private
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 30; Flight Crew Total 750; Flight Crew Type 600
Time Pressure
Aircraft Equipment Problem Critical
Aircraft Aircraft Damaged; Flight Crew Landed in Emergency Condition
Aircraft
Upon final approach to Runway XX at ZZZ; the aircraft lost throttle authority. I could neither increase or decrease power. I was at 1500 RPMs and by the time I figured out that I had a problem I could not get the airplane on the ground by switching the mags off without running out of runway and putting it in the trees. Since I had partial power and some altitude I opted to try to make a nearby pond that was 180 degrees behind me. Making shallow left turns; and barking on the radio my intentions for anyone who could hear me; I managed to get over [the pond] where I was no longer able to maintain enough altitude to clear the trees for a second approach. Knowing that an off-airport landing was imminent I [prepared]. I opened the door latches in preparation for a water landing. I got the airplane clear of people and structures and tried to put it down gently on the thin ice. The wheels broke through on contact with the ice/water surface. I am uninjured. I was able quickly exit the aircraft and stand on the wings until the wings were submerged. I then stood on the roof of the fuselage where the water came to my knees but got no deeper as the aircraft came to a rest of the pond floor. Very fortunate!
Pilot of a small aircraft reported that while on final approach he lost throttle authority and had to make an off-airport landing on ice/water.