MIA94LA147

The pilot stated that while on approach to land, he inadvertently pulled the mixture control instead of the carburetor heat control. After realizing his mistake he pushed in the mixture control but the engine did not respond. Unable to land at the airstrip he crashed into a canal short of the airstrip. Examination of the engine by an FAA airworthiness inspector revealed that the mixture control cable was separated from the mixture control arm at the carburetor explaining the lack of engine response.

On May 22, 1994, about 1800 eastern daylight time, an Engineering and Research Ercoupe 415-D, N93763, crashed into a canal while on approach to land at the Willis Gliderport, Boynton Beach, Florida, while on a 14 CFR part 91 personal flight. Visual meteorological conditions existed at the time and no flight plan was filed. The airplane was substantially damaged and the commercial-rated pilot and one passenger sustained minor injuries. The flight originated from the Wlllis Gliderport about 5 minutes earlier.

The pilot stated that while on final approach to land he inadvertently pulled the mixture control instead of the carburetor heat control. He realized his mistake and pushed the mixture control in but the engine did not respond. Realizing that he would not land on the runway he initiated a turn to crash land in a canal, and during the turn the left wing collided with trees. The airplane spun to the left and crashed into the canal. Both occupants exited the airplane and waded to the bank of the canal.

Examination of the engine by an FAA airworthiness inspector revealed that the mixture control cable was separated from the mixture control arm at the carburetor. The bolt, washer, and nut were missing.