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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

NTSB Reports is an independent research and search tool for public aviation accident and incident records. It brings NTSB aviation reports, structured fields, docket files, extracted figures, photos, videos, and update history into one searchable interface.

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NTSB Report

September 9, 1998 · Aero Commander S2R · N3652X

Malone, FL

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
September 9, 1998
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Malone, FL
Aircraft
Aero Commander S2R
Tail Number
N3652X
Operator
Fussel Spraying Services
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
MIA98LA244

The pilot stated that he was approximately three miles west of the airstrip when the engine lost all power. He stated, '...I was 600 to 700 feet AGL., I first pushed the throttle to full power position then started pumping the wobble pump and got no response.' The pilot stated that he began looking for an area to land, he picked out an area between two trees. According to the pilot during the landing, the airplane went between two trees and the wings were sheared then he impacted the ground. The engine was examined November, 1998. The FAA inspector's report showed that the following was found, '...wiring to magnetos had shielding completely chaffed from [the] wires and bare wires were present where it passed through the firewall of the aircraft...non aircraft wiring and splices were installed in the aircraft...suspect magnetos were grounded in flight.'

NTSB Probable Cause

a loss of engine power due to a chaffed ignition wires, resulting in a forced landing and subsequent impact with trees.

Full Narrative

On September 9, 1998, about 0902 central daylight time, an Aero Commander S2R, N3652X, registered to a private individual, crashed near Malone, Florida, while on a Title 14 CFR Part 137 aerial application flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed. The airplane was destroyed. The commercial-rated pilot reported no injuries. The flight originated from a private airstrip at about 0815. The pilot stated that he was about 3 miles west of the airstrip when the engine lost all power. He stated, "...I was 600 to 700 feet AGL., I first pushed the throttle to full power position then started pumping the wobble pump and got no response." The pilot stated that he began looking for an area to land, he picked out an area between two trees. According to the pilot, during the landing, the airplane went between two trees and the wings were sheared, then he impacted the ground. The engine was examined at Southerfield Aviation, Americus, Georgia, at the request of the NTSB, and under the supervision of the FAA, November 1998. The FAA inspector's report showed that the following was found, "...wiring to magnetos had shielding completely chaffed from [the] wires and bare wires were present where it passed through the firewall of the aircraft...non aircraft wiring and splices were installed in the aircraft...suspect magnetos were grounded in flight."

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time09:02 CDT
Nearest Airport0nm
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftAero Commander S2R
Tail NumberN3652X
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorFussel Spraying Services
Operating RulePart 137
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsPzl-Kalisz · PZL-3S · Reciprocating · 600
Seats1

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 51 · Second Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind90° @ 10 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingOvercast 8000 ft
Temperature / Dew Point66 F
Altimeter29.00 inHg
Observation Time13:53
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data