20021027033649A

(-23) While on approach to landing at a private airstrip, the pilot applied throttle to arrest the aircraft's descent and the engine failed to respond. The aircraft crashed into a cornfield approximately 100 feet from the airstrip and was destroyed. The pilot, sole occupant, was uninjured in the crash. Upon initial inspection of the aircraft, engine and flight control continuity was checked with no abnormalities noted. A field inspection of the engine was performed. Cylinder compression was good as tested by rotating the propeller. The carburetor bowls contained clean automotive fuel, the throttle slides moved freely and the intake manifold were soft and properly installed. The air filter was removed and inspected with no abnormalities. The carburetors were removed and the rotary valve was inspected, no defects. The rotary valve timing was checked and determined to be accurate. The lower crankcase was inspected through the intake ports and the connecting rod fit to crankshaft was checked and determined to be satisfactory. The exhaust system was removed and the pistons and combustion chambers were inspected and found free from damage. Hone marks were visible inside both combustion chambers, piston rings were free within the ring grooves and there was no carbon buildup on the piston domes. The engine was removed from the airframe and taken to leading edge airfoils (leaf) and placed on an engine test fixture. The engine started without effort and produced power as designed. No abnormalities were noted.