FTW95LA282

While maneuvering during an aerial application flight, the pilot noted that the aircraft 'shuddered slightly' and the manifold pressure began dropping. He tried to increased engine power with 'prop pitch to full forward,' but the aircraft would not maintain altitude. During the subsequent forced landing, the aircraft struck a rice levee. Examination of the engine revealed that the throttle control push pull tube had disengaged. The bolt, washer, and cotter pin (used to secure the throttle control push pull tube) could not be located.

On July 6, 1995, at 1430 central daylight time, an Aero Commander S2R, N5654X, was substantially damaged during a forced landing near Newport, Arkansas. The commercial pilot was not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the 14 CFR Part 137 aerial application flight operated by Nu-Look, Inc. The flight originated at 1425 in Newport, Arkansas, and no flight plan was filed.

The pilot stated, in the enclosed Pilot/Operator Report (NTSB Form 6120.1/2), that during "turnaround" from his third pass of fertilizing a rice field, the aircraft "shuddered slightly" followed by a drop in manifold pressure. He "increased power and prop pitch to full forward" and began dumping his load of dry fertilizer as he "started for the private airstrip about one mile away." The pilot further reported that the aircraft could not maintain altitude so he executed a forced landing to a field. The "airplane slid approximately 100 feet, hit [a] rice levee, pitched up onto [its] nose, then fell back onto [its] belly" and caught on fire.

A post crash examination of the aircraft by a Federal Aviation Administration inspector revealed that the throttle control push pull tube, P/N 901-13, was found disconnected from the throttle and that the nut, bolt, washer, and cotter pin were missing.