PA-28 Cherokee/Archer/Dakota/Pillan/Warrior
Flight Crew Private
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 0.9; Flight Crew Total 107.7; Flight Crew Type 40.7
Human-Machine Interface; Situational Awareness; Training / Qualification
Aircraft Equipment Problem Critical; Ground Excursion Runway
Air Traffic Control Issued New Clearance; Flight Crew Landed in Emergency Condition; General Declared Emergency
Human Factors; Aircraft
After a full stop landing and a 10 minute water/bathroom break; I decided to head back. I was cleared to taxi to the active runway. I performed the engine run up at the hold short line. All instrument gauges checked out green. The magnetos checked out less than 175 RPM difference (as stated in POH). I got clearance from Tower to take off and I took off with no problem (rotation speed 65-70 MPH); climbed out at 85 MPH. No issues with the climb until I reached 7;400 FT MSL. I was going for 7;500 FT MSL. At 7;400 FT I noticed a reduction of power (audible and visual). I was still at 'full power' according to the throttle position. I tried pushing in the throttle and saw no change and was unable to push any further. I switched fuel tanks and checked the boost pump was on (it was). I tried to set mixture to full rich (I think I leaned; too) and saw no change on power or rpm. I declared an emergency with Approach. They asked me if I would like to turn back and I said sure. I turned the airplane around. I went for Runway XY but noticed I was too high. I told Departure/Approach that I'm going for Runway ZZ. I'm trying to bleed off airspeed (trying for best glide speed - 80 MPH) but I'm unsuccessful. I have no control with the throttle. I realize I'm going to land long on Runway ZZ. I try to push in throttle for go-around but I still am unable to change power. At that point I commit to landing straight ahead. I touched the end of the Runway ZZ (about 100 FT from threshold) then the airplane bounced and I remained on ground effect. I'm still in ground effect for a few miles and I started turning off my systems. I tried controlling my descent on ground effect so I wouldn't oscillate on soft ground (avoid ground loop). Once I turned off the ignition; the engine completely quit and I was able to land safely. I had one passenger and both he and I sustained no injuries. I believe to avoid something like this from happening I should know the system better and understand if maintenance has been performed on the aircraft; I should ask to take a look at it. That way I can verify that everything is in its proper place. Also; as far as the landing; if I couldn't control the descent with engine; once I had the runway made I should've made a power-off landing. That would have avoided the off-airport landing portion. There was also no damage to private property from landing and no visible damage to plane.
PA28 pilot reports losing power at 7;400 FT after departing a high altitude airport. An emergency is declared and a turn back to the departure airport is made. It is discovered that engine power cannot be reduced either and the first approach results in a go around of sorts. The second approach also ends in a go-around with insufficient power to climb and results in an off airport landing when the ignition is secured.