What happened
On 2 June 2025, at about 0830 local time, a student pilot operating a Piper PA‑28‑181 (PA‑28) aircraft, departed on a multi‑stop navigational exercise from Tamworth Airport, New South Wales, to Dubbo, then Mudgee and then returning to Tamworth. A supervising Grade 1 flight instructor was assigned to support the student and had provided them with a telephone number if assistance was needed. After refuelling at Dubbo Airport, the student departed for Mudgee for an intended return to Tamworth.
About 1 hour and 45 minutes after departing from Dubbo, the student noticed abnormalities with the throttle and was having difficulties reducing power smoothly due to friction through the throttle control. Unsure of what to do, the student orbited near Parkes before they contacted their flight instructor for advice by telephone. A licenced aircraft maintenance engineer was then consulted for possible airborne rectifications.
After discussing the aircraft fuel state, the student’s state of mind, the safest landing location and in consultation with senior staff, the flight instructor then advised the student that the best option was to track direct to Tamworth where an air traffic control (ATC) service, a long runway, and emergency services were available.
At 1351, the student advised the flight instructor that the throttle of the PA‑28 was stuck at almost full power. The flight instructor and other senior flying school management discussed the options with ATC and, as a precaution, a full emergency was declared due to the uncertainty of a safe landing.
With guidance, from the flight instructor and ATC, the student commenced the descent to Tamworth Airport with the engine still producing high power. The student was briefed that a mixture cut[1] would be required to stop the engine to allow them to land and where in the landing sequence to cut it. At about 1430, the student conducted a flapless landing at about 110 kt, moved the mixture to idle cut‑off over the threshold, and touched down bringing the aircraft safely to a stop on the runway.
Emergency services attended the aircraft after landing but were not required. The student did not sustain any injuries and there was no damage to the aircraft.
During debriefing, the flight instructor noted that the student:
‘…did so well through the whole event, remained calm and professional, and got the aircraft safely down on the runway’
A subsequent engineering inspection of the aircraft identified an inner section of the throttle control cable was worn and frayed which resulted in it becoming jammed in position.
Safety message
Regular inspection and maintenance of aircraft control systems is essential to detect early signs of mechanical wear to prevent in‑flight control issues.
The student pilot’s ability to manage the situation safely, supported remotely by their instructor and ATC, demonstrates the value of decision‑making support for abnormal operations and training environments. Having a clear emergency plan prior to the critical stages of a flight can assist in timely decision‑making and reduce workload during high stress situations.
About this report
Decisions regarding whether to conduct an investigation, and the scope of an investigation, are based on many factors, including the level of safety benefit likely to be obtained from an investigation. For this occurrence, no investigation has been conducted and the ATSB did not verify the accuracy of the information. A brief description has been written using information supplied in the notification and any follow-up information in order to produce a short summary report and allow for greater industry awareness of potential safety issues and possible safety actions.
[1] A mixture cut is the shutdown of a piston engine by cutting the fuel supply via the mixture control.