‘Throttle Problem’ Caused Emergency Landing

An investigation has concluded a throttle problem forced the pilot of a light aircraft to make an emergency landing near Great Glen.

The 68-year-old male pilot and three passengers on-board escaped without injury when the Cessna plane came down in a field in Little Stretton, just after 6pm on July 30th last year.

The Air Accidents Investigation Branch has published a report into the incident, which happened as the pilot was approaching the near-by Leicester Airport.

The light aircraft came down in a field. Pic: Leics Police

The report says: “The pilot was conducting an overhead join to Leicester Airport and was adjusting the throttle to reduce speed.

“As he did so, the engine speed disproportionately dropped to idle.

“There was no response to any further throttle inputs, which the pilot noted were ‘stiff and notchy’.

“He carried out a force landing in a nearby field during which the nose landing gear collapsed.

“Subsequent examination of the aircraft found there was a throttle cable restriction which led to a power loss.”