Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
THE FAILURE OF THE LEFT MAGNETO, WHICH RESULTED IN A PARTIAL LOSS OF ENGINE POWER.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Historical)
Analysis
On September 12, 1993, about 1835 eastern standard time, a Cessna 172F airplane, N5678R, experienced partial loss of engine power during cruise and landed off-airport near Fishers, Indiana. The private pilot and two passengers reported no injury. The airplane was substantially damaged in the forced landing. The flight originated about 1630 EST in Galion, Ohio, without a flight plan and operated in visual meteorological conditions under 14 CFR 91.
According to the pilot, after descending from an altitude of 4500 feet MSL to 2500 feet MSL, the airplane's right magneto failed. The pilot states the airplane then misfired on the left magneto. Not being able to maintain altitude due to low RPM, he performed emergency procedures and initiated a forced landing onto a field.
Postaccident investigation revealed the left magneto was inoperative.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# CHI93LA359