# NTSB MIA95LA189: Fairchild 24W-46, N81222, Callahan, FL, July 24, 1995

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: July 24, 1995, 12:55 local (16:55 UTC)
- Place: Callahan, FL
- Coordinates: 30.559198, -81.830726 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=30.5592&lon=-81.8307&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report January 19, 1996
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 37803
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=MIA95LA189
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/37803/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA95LA189

## Probable cause

LOSS OF ENGINE POWER DUE TO FAILURE OF THE MAGNETOS. A FACTOR IN THE ACCIDENT WAS THE LACK OF SUITABLE TERRAIN FOR THE FORCED LANDING.

## 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 - normal
  - ignition system,magneto - failure,partial (cause)
- Forced landing, emergency landing
- On ground/water collision with object, landing - roll
  - terrain condition - none suitable (contributing factor)
  - object - tree(s)

## Analysis

THE PILOT STATED THAT THE ENGINE BEGAN TO RUN ROUGH DURING CRUISE. HE CHECKED THE MAGNETOS, AND FOUND THAT THE LEFT MAGNETO HAD FAILED. SHORTLY THEREAFTER THE ENGINE BEGAN TO LOSE MORE POWER, AND THE OTHER MAGNETO BEGAN TO FAIL. DURING THE FORCED LANDING THE WING HIT A TREE.

## Factual narrative

On July 24, 1995, about 1255 eastern daylight time, N81222, a Fairchild 24W-46, registered to the pilot, crashed in Callahan, Florida, while on a 14 CFR Part 91 personal flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time and no flight plan was filed. The airplane was substantially damaged and the pilot, the sole occupant, reported no injuries. The flight originated from Moultrie, Georgia, about 1200 the same day.

The pilot stated the engine began to run rough and he was able to determine one magneto was inoperative. Shortly thereafter the engine began to lose more power. He then initiated a precautionary landing to a road, due to loss of engine power. During the landing the wing struck a tree and damaged the wing and lift struts.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N81222](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N81222), registered now, S/N W46123, built 1946 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: FAIRCHILD 24W-46
- Registry model: [Fairchild 24W-46](https://openairdocs.org/model/fairchild-24w-46) (registry code 3370626) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Warner SS165 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/warner-ss165-series) (registry code 64504, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: W46123
- Airframe hours: 1081
- Engines: WARNER 165-D 175 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Martin D. Propst
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Unknown, March 5, 1995, 29 hours before
- Departed: MGR, MOULTRIE, GA
- Destination: SGJ, ST AUGUSTINE, FL

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 64; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; flight hours: 796 total, 757 in this make and model, 738 as pilot in command, 10 in the last 90 days, 7 in the last 30 days, 3 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 280° at 7 knots
- Visibility: 7 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 93 °F, dew point 73 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: CRG, 25 nm away

## 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 19950724024499A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19950724024499A), Jul 24, 1995: Frchld 24W46, Callahan, FL, Substantial damage. Rough engine power loss. Struck trees landing on a road. 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.

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