19990815024639A

(.19) On August 15, 1999, approximately 0920 mountain daylight time, a Cessna 337, N99MH, was substantially damaged when it collided with terrain during a forced landing near Edgewood, new Mexico. The commercial pilot and his passenger were not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan had been filed for the personal flight being conducted under title 14 CFR part 91. The flight had originated just minutes before the accident with an intended destination of belen, new Mexico. According to the pilot, during climbout the rear engine lost partial power. The pilot turned around and tried to return to the airpark, but the airplane would not maintain altitude. (-23) pilot stated immediately after departure, lost power (partially) on rear engine. Pilot decided to return to airport and make a downwind landing. During this process, pilot believed he had "made the airport". Landing gear was then lowered. After lowering the gear, the pilot then decided he could not make the airport and, instead, would "crash under control". Aircraft impacted/skidded into terrain about .3 mile west/southwest of Sandia airpark. Substantial damage to aircraft. No injuries. Post accident investigation revealed safety wire on the rear prop control cable had broken, which allowed the prop control cable to "flex" when the RPM was reduced after t/off. (.4) during climbout after takeoff, the rear engine lost partial power (1,700 RPM). The pilot started to turn around and return to the airpark, but changed his mind and decided to maintain aircraft control by landing in a rough and uneven but open field. Postaccident examination disclosed the safety wire securing the propeller control cable to the support bracket had broken, allowing the cable housing to flex within the engine compartment. When the pilot reduced RPM to climb power, the safety wire broke. This prevented the pilot from feathering or changing the rear propeller pitch settings.