N438MA

The airframe bearing tail number N438MA is a 1988-built Fairchild SA-227AC Metro III, serial AC-721B, registered in the US. Ownership timeline and operator/home base records for this specific registration are not published in the supplied data. Notable registry actions such as changes of registry, major damage history, or export entries are not published. Valuation and specific condition highlights for this individual airframe are not published.

Cabin layout details, seat count, and the specific avionics fit for N438MA are not published in the provided dataset. Given the type designation as a Fairchild SA-227AC Metro III, operators typically employ airframes of this model for short-haul commuter, regional freight, and charter missions within the aircraft’s 1,170 nm range and at cruise speeds near 270 kts. As registered in the US, typical operational profiles for this airframe would include regional scheduled services or on-demand charter legs; however, the exact operator base and route history for this tail number are not published. Maintenance considerations specific to this airframe, such as recent major inspections or component life-limited parts status, are not published.

The Fairchild SA-227AC Metro III occupies a niche as a high-speed, pressurized twin-turboprop regional platform suited to short- to medium-range commuter and cargo roles. Powered in this airframe by Garrett TPE331-series engines (11U variants), the type offers competitive cruise speeds around 270 kts and an operational ceiling near 27,000 ft, making it attractive for point-to-point regional hops. Competing models in the same market segment historically include other 19-seat commuter turboprops and light regional aircraft; buyer and charter demand typically focuses on airframe condition, engine hours, and avionics updates. Resale and maintenance considerations for this model center on Garrett TPE331 engine overhauls, airframe corrosion inspection status, and the availability of parts for the late-1980s production cohort.