Amateur/Home Built/Experimental
Flight Crew Private
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 10; Flight Crew Total 760; Flight Crew Type 507
ATC Issue All Types; Aircraft Equipment Problem Critical; Conflict Ground Conflict; Less Severe
General Maintenance Action
Aircraft
I was given clearance for a straight in approach to Runway 22R and preceded normally. When I reached approximately .5 miles from my touchdown point I began getting a little low as noticed from visual cues and the VASI lights. I attempted to add power; but the throttle was unresponsive. I tried several times while watching the approach end of the runway. I was watching the position of the runway; the surrounding area; the area between my aircraft and the runway and the activity on the south runway whose approach end displaced further toward the northeast which was within gliding distance of my aircraft. There was an aircraft taxiing into position on the south runway. There was a fence at the boundary of the airport. I called the Tower and announced I had an unresponsive throttle. The Tower instructed me to go around and try to sort out the problem. At this point I was concerned about being able to land on my assigned runway. I had to make a quick decision because I assumed the aircraft on the south runway would start its takeoff roll very quickly and I didn't want to chance not making my runway and possibly collide with the fence or the aircraft which would then be in its takeoff phase. I replied that I was unable to add power and announced I was going to land on Runway 22L. I proceeded to offset my final approach to the south and land on the south runway prior to the aircraft starting its takeoff roll. I made a turnoff at the first appropriate taxiway. The Tower Controller instructed me to contact the controller for 22L which I did. That controller instructed me to contact the Ground Controller which I did. It took me several attempts to get the engine rpm up to taxi power. I was unable to apply full power. I was given taxi instructions back to the hangar which I followed.An experienced friend met me at the hangar to help determine a possible cause. We found the accelerator cable to have a noticeable bend in it as if it was unable to push the throttle open. The accelerator spring may need replacing with a stronger tension spring. I will have my A&P Mechanic look at it to determine a definite cause and solution prior to operating again.
LongEZ pilot reported an unresponsive throttle in flight; fortunately on short final to an airport.