CHI97LA115

The pilot reported that he was unable to obtain an increase in engine power upon advancing the throttle while attempting a go-around. He stated that during the go-around, the right wing stalled and contacted the ground followed by the nose of the airplane. A postaccident engine test run failed to reveal any discrepancies in the engine's operation.

On April 27, 1997, at 1218 central daylight time, a Cessna 182P, N7355Q, operated by a private pilot collided with the terrain during a go-around on runway 03 at the Duluth International Airport, Duluth, Minnesota. The pilot reported that he initiated the go-around and he was unable to obtain an increase in engine power upon advancing the throttle. The 14 CFR Part 91 flight was operating in visual meteorological conditions without a flight plan. The pilot and one passenger received minor injuries. An additional passenger received serious injuries. The flight originated from Buffalo, Minnesota, at 1130 cdt.

The pilot reported that while on final approach for runway 03, he applied full flaps in increments of 10 degrees along with the carburetor heat. He reported the airplane was "sinking faster than I felt that I should be, so I decided to go-around." The pilot reported he added power, but "full power never came on!" According to the pilot, the right wing stalled and contacted the terrain followed by the nose of the airplane.

A review of a maintenance work order for N7355Q, dated 4/24/97, indicated that a pilot reported a power loss on takeoff. The work order states the mechanic ran the engine up to full rpm and after 5 seconds the rpm dropped to 1,900. The write up continued to state that the engine cowl was removed and the fuel system was checked for contaminates and proper fuel flow. The fuel line at the carburetor was disconnected and fuel flow was checked on all fuel selector settings. Checked ok. The gascolator was removed and checked for contaminants - none found. The carburetor/cowling inlet was checked for obstructions and found a boot loose. A bracket was fabricated and installed and was a new air filter assembly. The engine was then run-up and test flow without any discrepancies noted.

The engine was removed from the airplane after the accident and it was transported to Bulduc Aviation, Anoka, Minnesota, for an engine test run. The test run was overseen by an inspector from the Federal Aviation Administration, Flight Standards District Office, Minneapolis, Minnesota. The inspector reported that the engine started without "hesitation" and it operated normally when cycled throughout its operating range. See attached Inspector's Statement for details.