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Casualties unknown

Engine Power Loss Leads to Forced Landing (N5643T)

St.simons, GA, US

On July 26, 1999, a Maule M-5-200 (registration N5643T) was involved in an aviation accident near St.simons, GA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The inadequate installation of the magneto assembly by other maintenance personnel that in resulted the separation from the engine and the subsequent loss of engine power. A factor was the swampy terrain condition. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

Shortly after takeoff, the engine lost power. The pilot attempted a forced landing in a marshy area, during which the airplane flipped inverted. Examination revealed a separated dual magneto with missing retention hardware.

Accident Sequence

According to the pilot, shortly after liftoff from the runway, the engine lost power. Attempts by the pilot to restore full engine power failed. The pilot selected a marshy area for a forced landing. During the attempted forced landing, the airplane flipped inverted. The accident site was located two miles northwest of the airport.

Post-Accident Examination

A post-accident examination of the airplane disclosed that the dual magneto had separated from the engine assembly. The examination also showed that the magneto retention nuts and washers were not attached to the magneto. After the magneto was reinstalled on the engine, a satisfactory engine run was conducted.

Maintenance Records Review

A review of the engine and airframe maintenance logs disclosed that the airplane was approximately 30 hours out of the last annual inspection.

Maintenance error

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 26 Jul 1999 Maule M-5-200 accident near St.simons, GA?

Shortly after takeoff, the engine lost power. The pilot attempted a forced landing in a marshy area, during which the airplane flipped inverted. Examination revealed a separated dual magneto with missing retention hardware.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 26 Jul 1999 involved a Maule M-5-200, registration N5643T, at St.simons, GA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The inadequate installation of the magneto assembly by other maintenance personnel that in resulted the separation from the engine and the subsequent loss of engine power. A factor was the swampy terrain condition.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X19160. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.