# NTSB CHI93LA359: Cessna 172F, N5678R, Indianapolis, IN, September 12, 1993

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: September 12, 1993, 18:35 local (23:35 UTC)
- Place: Indianapolis, IN
- Coordinates: 39.890209, -86.300094 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=39.8902&lon=-86.3001&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 3 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report September 7, 1994
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 9311
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=CHI93LA359
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/9311/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI93LA359

## Probable cause

THE FAILURE OF THE LEFT MAGNETO, WHICH RESULTED IN A PARTIAL LOSS OF ENGINE POWER.

## Sequence of events

In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf).

- Loss of engine power(partial) - mech failure/malf, cruise
  - ignition system,magneto - inoperative (cause)
- Forced landing, descent - emergency
- In flight collision with terrain/water, landing

## Analysis

THE PILOT SAID THAT AFTER DESCENDING FROM AN ALTITUDE OF 4500 FT MSL TO 2500 FT MSL, A PARTIAL LOSS OF ENGINE POWER OCCURRED.  DURING A FORCED LANDING IN A FIELD, THE AIRPLANE WAS DAMAGED.   A POST-ACCIDENT EXAMINATION REVEALED THE LEFT MAGNETO WAS INOPERATIVE.

## Factual narrative

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.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N5678R](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N5678R-2014-10-29), registration cancelled 2014-10-29, S/N 17253317, built 1965 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: CESSNA 172F
- Registry model: [Cessna 172F](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-172f) (registry code 2072414) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Continental 0-300 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/continental-0-300-series) (registry code 17022, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Engines: LYCOMING O-300-D 145 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Charles B. Porter
- Registered owner: Charles B. Porter
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Departed: MQQ, GALION, OH
- Destination: I14, IN

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 40; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; flight hours: 120 total, 14 in this make and model, 70 as pilot in command, 44 in the last 90 days, 24 in the last 30 days, 5 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 120° at 10 knots
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 70 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg
- Observed at: IND

## FAA reports on this event (1)

The FAA's own accident and incident reports, matched to the aircraft by N-number and date (OpenAirDocs).

- [Accident 19930912034469A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19930912034469A), Sep 12, 1993: Cessna 172F, Indianapolis, IN, Substantial damage. Lost partial power on descent. Landed off airport. Left magneto inoperative.

From the NTSB's public API. Aircraft are matched to registry aircraft by N-number and event date, checked against the reported serial number, make and model; the registry's history has gaps, so older matches can be wrong. Compare the reported make and model.

---
OpenAirDocs.org is an independent research project of [Contrail Labs](https://contraillabs.com/). It is not affiliated with the FAA or the NTSB. Source documents are U.S. government works in the public domain.