Thursday, November 23, 2017

Report: companies claim Irma fundraising was a scam

MIAMI -  A man who claimed to be a member of a wealthy Puerto Rican family that owns a rum distillery rented warehouses for hurricane Irma donations and chartered five airplanes to take them to the island.

No one suspected that the apparent Good Samaritan was a fugitive with a long criminal record, authorities said

The Miami Herald and El Nuevo Herald report the man used a fake name, has a history of fraud convictions and now is accused of duping donors.

Emilio Ismael Vazquez now stands accused of a nearly $500,000 fraud by two Doral companies — Commercial Property Group, which leased the warehouses to him, and Global Aviation Link, the cargo operator. They claim the 47-year-old paid them with fake checks and fraudulent wire transfers.

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Vazquez managed to board a private airplane at Miami International Airport and fly to Aguadilla, in northeastern Puerto Rico, to distribute the donations. He traveled with members of the Florida Puerto Rico Relief Committee, including singer Olga Tañón and Telemundo host María Celeste Arrarás.

He has an outstanding arrest warrant issued in Orange County, Florida in 2016, for violating the conditions of his probation after a 15-year sentence for fraud.

The story of the hurricane-donation fraud was first reported by Univisión 23.

Several of the alleged Miami victims in the hurricane-donations case interviewed by el Nuevo Herald requested anonymity because they have been contacted by federal authorities who are investigating.

Meanwhile, tons of food and medicine from South Florida and the Orlando area are stranded and spoiling at the Aguadilla airport, Univisión 23 reported. Other donations languish in Doral warehouses.

"Nobody knew they were dealing with such a character. I don't know what this guy was thinking, but Robin Hood doesn't exist anymore," said Rodrigo Narváez, manager of the airline 21 Cargo, owed more than $400,000 by Global Aviation for the flights. "We feel very badly for Global, but we paid for the pilots, airplanes and landing rights, so we have to be paid."

El Nuevo Herald tried but failed to contact Vázquez by phone and email. A reporter went Tuesday to an apartment building in Midtown Miami where he had told a lawyer he lived. A receptionist called a man listed as a resident under the name Emilio Perez, who claimed to be out of town. Florida arrest records show Vázquez has used the alias Emilio Perez.

Vázquez's victims and the volunteers now wonder why he did it. There's no sign he stole money, because the group did not accept cash donations, or that he diverted any of the goods donated.

Vázquez got involved in the Puerto Rico relief efforts on Sept. 22, shortly after Hurricane Maria walloped the island. That day he called the Isla del Encanto restaurants in Kendall, which was collecting donations, with an offer almost as incredible as the $2 million he allegedly offered on television to Ellen DeGeneres.

DeGeneres announced the donation on national television. A man named Emilio had given $2 million for Puerto Rican victims of two hurricanes during the We Are One Voice — Somos Live! benefit concert.

"We were in the middle of the collections when a man called offering an airplane to deliver the help," said restaurant owner Rafael Acosta. "I passed the phone to a volunteer ... to take down the information."

Filled with hope, the volunteers quickly established the Puerto Rico Relief Committee. In less than a week, Vázquez signed a one-year lease for the Doral warehouses. He and two committee members then went to Global Aviation to contract its services.

They scheduled the flights for the Columbus Day weekend, Oct. 6-9. Vázquez paid with checks on Friday Oct. 6 and two flights took off over the weekend.

Vázquez and some of the volunteers flew to Aguadilla Sunday, Oct. 8, to distribute the donations. Monday was a bank holiday. By Wednesday, when the banks notified the companies that the checks were fraudulent, it was too late.

"Global Aviation called to tell me to stop the flights, that they had been defrauded," said 21 Cargo's Narváez. "But the last airplane was already in the air."

"Unfortunately, we were victims of a fraud scheme by individuals who wanted to benefit from this natural disaster," the statement added. "We are now working with authorities and the people involved to determine who is the legal owner of the cargo. We hope that the shipment of the humanitarian assistance reaches those who need it as soon as possible."

Telemundo's Maria Celeste Arrarás — who traveled on a private plane with Vazquez — said that while the situation was "regrettable," she took comfort knowing the donations that she and the volunteers delivered in Aguadilla "were distributed to civic organizations that handed them out to the victims."

When the victims confronted Vázquez with evidence of the fraud, he told them to talk to his lawyer, Anthony Accetta. But the Coral Gables attorney said he never signed an agreement to represent Vázquez.

"He tried to hire me, but I told him we had discovered his true name and criminal history. He even told me that was his twin brother, who is the black sheep of the family," said Accetta, a former prosecutor. "The man sat in my office and all he did was lie, lie, lie."

In one of his last text messages, Vázquez told his alleged victims and several volunteers that he was taking an emergency flight to London because his daughter had died in an accident. They haven't heard from him since.

According to a violation of probation affidavit from Orange County Department of Corrections, Vázquez's sister, Vivian Vázquez, told authorities last year that her brother does not have any daughters.

"He uses this story as a ruse," the affidavit said.


Original article can be found here ➤ http://www.thenewstribune.com

Mooney M20C Ranger, N6894N: Fatal accident occurred November 23, 2017 in Starke, Florida

The National Transportation Safety Board traveled to the scene of this accident.

Additional Participating Entities:
Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Orlando, Florida
Lycoming; Williamsport, Pennsylvania
Mooney; Kerrville, Texas

Aviation Accident Preliminary Report - National Transportation Safety Board: https://app.ntsb.gov/pdf

Herman Eugene Steele: http://registry.faa.gov/N6894N

Location: Starke, FL
Accident Number: ERA18FA030
Date & Time: 11/23/2017, 1515 EST
Registration: N6894N
Aircraft: MOONEY M20C
Injuries: 1 Fatal
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General Aviation - Personal 

On November 23, 2017, about 1515 eastern standard time, a Mooney M20, N6894N, impacted terrain near Starke, Florida. Instrument meteorological conditions prevailed at the time and an instrument flight rules flight plan was filed for the 14 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 91 personal flight from Ocala International Airport-Jim Taylor Field (OCF), Ocala, Florida to Cecil Airport (VQQ), Jacksonville, Florida. The airplane was destroyed by impact forces. The private pilot was fatally injured. The flight originated about 1500 eastern standard time from OCF.

According to a friend of the pilot, earlier on the day of the accident flight she flew as a passenger with the pilot in the accident airplane to OCF. She said that the flight was uneventful, up until they approached OCF. Prior to landing at OCF, the weather became "very turbulent" as the pilot tried to remain on course. The pilot mentioned that he was trying to maintain altitude as he was preparing for landing. After he landed she said that it was "very windy and raining very hard." They went inside the FBO where the pilot mentioned that he had to get to VQQ for his daughter's birthday and Thanksgiving. The witness said that he should "wait it out", and he agreed. According to the witness, he waited about 45 minutes before he departed.

According to FBO personnel, as the pilot waited for the weather to clear up he asked them to top off his fuel tanks. They advised the pilot that the weather was very bad, and he should wait for the fuel. The pilot said that he needed the fuel now because he was trying to get to his daughter's house for Thanksgiving, and requested the line personnel wipe his fuel caps with a towel. After about 45 minutes, the pilot said that he was "heading out;" and was asked if he found a break. The pilot laughed and said he was "gonna go for it." They advised him to be safe and have a good flight.

Review of preliminary air traffic control radar and voice communication information from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Jacksonville Air Route Traffic Control Center revealed that as the pilot was on approach to VQQ, controller cleared him for the ILS Runway 36R instrument approach. While on final, the radar controller advised the local controller that the pilot was making erratic turns. Shortly after, the pilot executed a missed approach while on a 5-mile final. The controller cleared the pilot to 3,000 feet and asked if he would like to go to Jacksonville International Airport (JAX), Jacksonville, Florida, where the weather was better; the pilot replied affirmative. The controller asked the pilot if he was able to climb and make turns, the pilot replied "affirmative." Shortly after the last communication, radar contact was lost with the airplane and an alert notice (ALNOT) was issued.

The local authorities were notified, and a search ensued. The airplane was located at 1600 in a field near the Camp Blanding Joint Training Center.

The pilot, age 73, held a private pilot certificate with a rating for single engine land airplane and instrument airplane. He also held an FAA third-class medical certificate issued July 11, 2016. A review of the pilot's logbook revealed that the last entry was dated September 8, 2017. The total time entered was 3,146 flight hours. His total actual instrument time was recorded as 527 flight hours. The pilot accumulated 400 flight hours in the accident airplane make and model, and 4 hours within the last 90 days. Further review revealed a total accumulation of 27 flight hours and 8 hours of instrument time for the year of 2017.

At 1511, the recorded weather at VQQ included winds from 030 at 12 knots, 2 statute miles visibility in mist, and overcast clouds at 900 feet above ground level. The temperature was 63°Celsius (C), the dew point was 63° C, and the altimeter setting was 29.87inches of mercury.

The wreckage came to rest on 314° heading about 20 miles from VQQ. Examination of the accident site revealed the fuselage was broken into two parts. The cockpit and empennage separated aft of the rear seat at the wing spars. All flight control surfaces were located at the accident site along the debris path.

All flight controls were destroyed, and respective control tubes were impact-damaged. Movement of the flight control tubes could not be established, but the tubes from the yoke mounts to the wing roots were present. Engine and propeller controls were impact damaged and did not reveal useful information. The fuel selector was noted in the left wing tank position and 10 gallons of AVGAS was defueled from the tank. Flight control tubes in the left wing were attached to the left aileron and the aileron remained attached to the wing surface. The flap remained attached to the wing and the flap control tubes were damaged. The position of the flaps could not be established.

Examination of the right wing revealed that it was fragmented along the debris path. All flight control surfaces were accounted for and were impact damaged. The flight surface control tubes were located throughout the debris path and were fragmented.

The empennage was buckled with both horizontal stabilizers and elevators remaining attached. The control tubes remained attached and were broken at the separation point. The vertical stabilizer was separated and located along the debris path. The rudder was separated from the vertical stabilizer and located along the debris path. The rudder and elevator control tubes were located within the empennage and buckled, but could not be manipulated.

Examination of the engine revealed that it was impact-damaged. The engine was partly dissembled for examination. The engine accessories were removed for examination. During examination of the engine; rotation of the crankshaft produced thumb compression and valve train movement on all four cylinders. The spark plugs were removed and were gray in color. The oil sump screen was removed and was free of debris. During the examination of the accessories it was noted that both ignition magnetos were impact damaged. The ignition leads were broken and not attached to the spark plugs. The magneto drive gear was rotated on both magnetos and produced spark on all ignition leads. The vacuum pump was disassembled and revealed all internal blades were intact. The internal drive coupling was intact and not damaged. Examination of the carburetor revealed it was separated from the engine and impact damaged. The carburetor was disassembled, and examination revealed that the bowl was free of debris. Examination of the fuel screen revealed insignificant amounts of debris. The throttle and mixture cable were separated from the carburetor and impact damaged.

Examination of the propeller revealed all 3 blades were damaged and remained attached to the hub and the hub remained attached to the crankshaft. The blades were labeled A, B and C. Blade A was bent aft and had chordwise scoring. Blade B remained relatively straight with scoring on the blade. Blade C exhibited "S" bending and scoring throughout the blade span.

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Manufacturer: MOONEY
Registration: N6894N
Model/Series: M20C NO SERIES
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Amateur Built: No 
Operator: On file
Operating Certificate(s) Held: None

Meteorological Information and Flight Plan

Conditions at Accident Site: Instrument Conditions
Condition of Light: Day
Observation Facility, Elevation: VQQ, 79 ft msl
Observation Time: 1511 EST
Distance from Accident Site: 17 Nautical Miles
Temperature/Dew Point: 17°C / 17°C
Lowest Cloud Condition: Unknown
Wind Speed/Gusts, Direction: 12 knots, 30°
Lowest Ceiling: Overcast / 900 ft agl
Visibility:  2 Miles
Altimeter Setting: 29.87 inches Hg
Type of Flight Plan Filed: IFR
Departure Point: OCALA, FL (OCF)
Destination: JACKSONVILLE, FL (VQQ)

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 1 Fatal
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Passenger Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 1 Fatal

Latitude, Longitude:  29.951944, -81.979444

Those who may have information that might be relevant to the National Transportation Safety Board investigation may contact them by email eyewitnessreport@ntsb.gov, and any friends and family who want to contact investigators about the accident should email assistance@ntsb.gov. 

Herman Steele



Mooney M20C Ranger wreckage being towed from Camp Blanding.





CLAY COUNTY, Fla. - Authorities on Friday confirmed the identity of the pilot killed when a single-engine plane went down Thursday afternoon inside Camp Blanding.

The Clay County Sheriff's Office confirmed pilot, Herman E. Steele, 49, of Tennessee died in the crash. 

Steele was the only person on board, according to a Federal Aviation Administration spokeswoman.

FAA officials said they were notified that a Mooney M20C Ranger went down at Camp Blanding in Clay County about 3:15 p.m. Thursday. Clay County deputies said it was a private plane, not a military aircraft. Camp Blanding is off State Road 16 near Kingsley Lake.

Authorities said Steele had taken off from Cecil Field in Jacksonville and dropped off three passengers in Ocala. He was on the return flight to Cecil Field when he sent a distress call to the tower at the Jacksonville International Airport, reporting some sort of problem. 

Officials with JAI said they never heard from Steele again. 

Officials said Steele had intended to continue flying to Tennessee. 

It is unclear what caused the plane to crash, but investigators are not overlooking weather conditions as a potential factor because it was raining and there may have been limited visibility.

Steele crashed near Avenue B and Tampa Street on Camp Blanding about 200 feet short of one of the base’s runways. 

News4Jax spoke with aviation expert Randy Reep about flying in uncertain weather conditions.

"Any event that occurs in bad weather makes that event more difficult," Reep said. "You can’t fly in reference to the ground and (the pilot) is having to rely on his sensations to maneuver the airplane via instruments. It can very difficult, which is why the air traffic control system is designed the way it is."

Reep also mentioned that if Steele filed a flight plan, there will be more evidence to collect because he would have been controlled through radio communications with the ground.

The FAA will investigate and the National Transportation Safety Board will determine the probable cause of the crash.

The Florida Highway Patrol is assisting in the investigation.

Story, video and comments ➤ https://www.news4jax.com




Officials have identified a 73-year-old man who was killed in a plane crash at Camp Blanding.

A Clay County Sheriff's Office spokesperson said Herman Eugene Steele, 73, of Tennessee, was killed after crashing his plane at Avenue B and Tampa Street on Thursday.

Authorities notified the Federal Aviation Administration that a Mooney M20C Ranger went down at 3:15 p.m. Steele was the only person on the plane, officials said.

Steele’s daughter tells Action News Jax he was down visiting family and friends in Florida. She said he dropped two friends off in Ocala, before his final flight.

She tells us he was on his way to Cecil Airport in Jacksonville to visit her for her birthday, when his plane tragically went down.

She said she was happy that he at least died “doing what he loved.”

The National Transportation Safety Board is working to determine the cause of the crash.

Story and video ➤ http://www.actionnewsjax.com

Zlin Z.50L, ZS-VAR: Fatal accident occurred October 06, 2017 in Gauteng Province, South Africa

Werner Nel




NTSB Identification: ERA18WA009

14 CFR Non-U.S., Non-Commercial
Accident occurred Friday, October 06, 2017 in Gauteng Province, South Africa
Aircraft: ZLIN Z50, registration:
Injuries: 1 Fatal.

The foreign authority was the source of this information.


On October 6, 2017, about 1530 coordinated universal time, a Zlin Z-50L, South African registration ZS-VAR, was destroyed when it impacted terrain shortly after takeoff from Kitty Hawk Airport (FAKT), Gauteng Province, South Africa. The pilot was fatally injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the local personal flight.


The South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) Accident and Incident Investigations Division (AIID) is investigating the accident. As the State of Manufacture and Design of the engine, the NTSB has appointed a US Accredited Representative under the provisions of ICAO Annex 13 to assist the AIID in its investigation.


All inquiries concerning this accident should be directed to:


South African Civil Aviation Authority

Accidents and Incidents Investigation Division
Private Bag X 73
Halfway House 1685
South Africa

Tel.: +27 (0) 11 545-1055/1050

+27 (0) 83 461-6277 (24 hours)
E-mail:AiidInbox@caa.co.za
Fax: +27 (0) 11 545 1466
Website: http://www.caa.co.za

This report is for informational purposes only. All investigative information will be released by the SACAA.

Officials confiscate a loaded firearm at Yeager Airport (KCRW)

CHARLESTON, WV. – Transportation Security Administration officers found a handgun in a passengers carry-on bag at Yeager Airport (CRW), Thursday morning.

According to a release a from the Transportation Security Administration, the Huntington man was caught with a .380 caliber handgun loaded with three bullets. The officer who was staffing the checkpoint spotted the handgun as it appeared on the X-ray monitor.

TSA officers immediately contacted the Yeager Airport Police, who responded and confiscated the gun. There was no impact to airport operations.

For details on how to properly travel with a firearm visit http://www.tsa.gov/traveler-information/firearms-and-ammunition.

Original article can be found here ➤ http://www.wdtv.com

Cessna 550 Citation Bravo, RA-67560: Accident occurred October 29, 2017 at Bremen Airport (EDDW), Germany



NTSB Identification: CEN18WA022
14 CFR Unknown
Accident occurred Sunday, October 29, 2017 in Bremen, Germany
Aircraft: CESSNA 550, registration:
Injuries: 5 Uninjured.

The foreign authority was the source of this information.

On October 29, 2017, about 1740 UTC, a Cessna 550/551 SP airplane, Russian Federation / RA-67560, was involved in a runway excursion at the Bremen Airport (EDDW), Bremen, Germany. Damage to the airplane was not yet known. The three crewmembers and two passengers were not injured.

This investigation is under the jurisdiction and control of the German government. Any further information may be obtained from:

German Federal Bureau of Aircraft Accident Investigation
Telephone: +49 5 313548 – 0
Facsimile : +49 5 313548 - 246
Email: ops@bfu-web.de
Web: www.bfu-web.de

This report is for informational purposes only and contains only information released by, or obtained from, the German Federal Bureau of Aircraft Accident Investigation.

Fire / Smoke (Non-Impact): Cessna 421C Golden Eagle, N421RX; accident occurred November 22, 2017 at Northern Maine Regional Airport at Presque Isle (KPQI), Aroostook County, Maine



The National Transportation Safety Board did not travel to the scene of this accident.

Additional Participating Entity:

Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Portland, Maine

Aviation Accident Final Report - National Transportation Safety Board: https://app.ntsb.gov/pdf


Investigation Docket - National Transportation Safety Board: https://dms.ntsb.gov/pubdms


http://registry.faa.gov/N421RX





Location: Presque Isle, ME

Accident Number: ERA18LA033
Date & Time: 11/22/2017, 1845 EST
Registration: N421RX
Aircraft: CESSNA 421
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Defining Event: Fire/smoke (non-impact)
Injuries: 2 Minor, 2 None
Flight Conducted Under:  Part 135: Air Taxi & Commuter - Non-scheduled - Air Medical (Medical Emergency) 

Analysis 

After takeoff, the commercial pilot saw flames coming from the left engine nacelle area. He retarded the throttle and turned off the fuel boost pump; however, the fire continued. He then feathered the propeller, shut down the engine, and maneuvered the airplane below the clouds to remain in the local traffic pattern. He attempted to keep the runway environment in sight while drifting in and out of clouds. He was unable to align the airplane for landing on the departure runway, so he attempted to land on another runway. When he realized that the airspeed was decreasing and that the airplane would not reach the runway, he landed it on an adjacent grass field. After touchdown, the landing gear separated, and the airplane came to a stop. The airframe sustained substantial damage to the wings and lower fuselage.

Examination of the left engine revealed evidence of a fuel leak where the fuel mixture control shaft inserted into the fuel injector body, which likely resulted in fuel leaking onto the hot turbocharger in flight and the in-flight fire. A review of recent maintenance records did not reveal any entries regarding maintenance or repair of the fuel injection system.

The pilot reported clouds as low as 500 ft with rain, snow, and reduced visibility at the time of the accident, which likely reduced his ability to see the runway and maneuver the airplane to land on it.

Probable Cause and Findings

The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident to be:
The in-flight leakage of fuel from the fuel injection system's mixture shaft onto the hot turbocharger, which resulted in an in-flight fire, and the pilot's inability to see the runway due to reduced visibility conditions and conduct a successful landing.

Findings

Aircraft
Fuel controlling system - Damaged/degraded (Cause)

Environmental issues
Low ceiling - Contributed to outcome (Cause)




Factual Information 

On November 22, 2017, about 1845 eastern standard time, a Cessna 421C, N421RX, was substantially damaged during a forced landing shortly after takeoff from Northern Maine Regional Airport (PQI), Presque Isle, Maine. The commercial pilot was not injured; two crewmembers, and one passenger sustained minor injuries. The airplane was operated by Fresh Air LLC under the provisions of Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations part 135 as an air medical flight. Day, instrument meteorological conditions prevailed, and an instrument flight rules flight plan was filed. The flight originated at PQI about 1840 and was destined for Bangor International Airport (BGR), Bangor, Maine.

The pilot reported that the preflight inspection of the airplane and ground operations were uneventful. After taking off on runway 19, the pilot retracted the landing gear and turned off the landing lights. He then observed flames coming from the left engine nacelle. He immediately retarded the throttle and turned off the fuel boost pump; however, the fire persisted. He feathered the propeller, shut down the engine, and maneuvered the airplane below the clouds to remain in the traffic pattern at PQI. He attempted to keep the runway environment in sight while drifting in and out of clouds. He was unable to align the airplane for a landing on runway 19, so he attempted to land on runway 10. The pilot realized the airspeed was dropping and the airplane would not reach runway 10, so he landed in an adjacent field. After touchdown, the landing gear broke away and the airplane came to a stop in the grass.

The PQI reported weather at 1848 included, overcast clouds at 1,400 ft and broken clouds at 800 ft, with 5 statute miles visibility in light snow and mist. The pilot reported that the clouds were at 500 ft with rain and snow at the time of the accident.

An inspector with the Federal Aviation Administration responded to the accident site and examined the wreckage. The airplane came to rest in an upright position. The landing gear were separated, and structural damage to the wings and lower fuselage was evident. Initial examination of the left engine revealed soot on the nacelle louver vents and some localized white discoloration near the turbocharger area.

Subsequent examination of the engine revealed soot and a darkening of the area below and behind the fuel injector system near the turbocharger. The top engine cowling, which exhibited paint bubbling and discoloration from exposure to intense heat, was placed over the top of the engine and the damage was consistent with the area above the fuel injector system.

The fuel system was then pressurized with 40psi of air and the sound of escaping air was heard in and around the mixture control arm of the fuel injector system. A mixture of water/soap was sprayed on the area where air was heard, and bubbles were immediately observed. Other areas of the engine were also sprayed with the water/soap mixture and no other signs of leaks were observed. The area where the leak was observed was consistent with fuel dripping and being blown onto the hot turbocharger in flight.

The fuel injector system was removed, and blue staining was observed in and around the mixture arm. A pressure check of the exhaust system was also conducted. No leaks were observed at any welds or joints.

A review of the engine logbook entries did not reveal evidence of any recent maintenance or repair on the fuel injection system. An annual inspection was completed on June 2, 2017 and a 100-hr inspection was completed on September 13, 2017. 

History of Flight

Initial climb
Fire/smoke (non-impact) (Defining event)

Approach-VFR pattern final
Off-field or emergency landing

Initial climb
Attempted remediation/recovery

Landing
Part(s) separation from AC




Pilot Information

Certificate: Commercial
Age: 52, Male
Airplane Rating(s): Multi-engine Land; Single-engine Land
Seat Occupied: Left
Other Aircraft Rating(s): None
Restraint Used: 3-point
Instrument Rating(s): Airplane
Second Pilot Present: No
Instructor Rating(s): None
Toxicology Performed: No
Medical Certification: Class 2 Without Waivers/Limitations
Last FAA Medical Exam: 12/01/2017
Occupational Pilot: Yes
Last Flight Review or Equivalent: 06/28/2017
Flight Time:  4482 hours (Total, all aircraft), 3620 hours (Total, this make and model), 3973 hours (Pilot In Command, all aircraft), 73 hours (Last 90 days, all aircraft), 29 hours (Last 30 days, all aircraft), 0 hours (Last 24 hours, all aircraft)

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: CESSNA
Registration: N421RX
Model/Series: 421 C
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Year of Manufacture: 1977
Amateur Built: No
Airworthiness Certificate: Normal
Serial Number: 421C0264
Landing Gear Type: Retractable - Tricycle
Seats: 4
Date/Type of Last Inspection: 06/02/2017, 100 Hour
Certified Max Gross Wt.: 7500 lbs
Time Since Last Inspection: 18 Hours
Engines: 2 Reciprocating
Airframe Total Time: 7473 Hours as of last inspection
Engine Manufacturer: CONT MOTOR
ELT:  C91A installed, activated, did not aid in locating accident
Engine Model/Series: GTSIO-520-L
Registered Owner: FRESH AIR LLC
Rated Power: 375 hp
Operator: FRESH AIR LLC
Operating Certificate(s) Held: On-demand Air Taxi (135)

Meteorological Information and Flight Plan

Conditions at Accident Site: Instrument Conditions
Condition of Light: Day
Observation Facility, Elevation: PQI, 533 ft msl
Distance from Accident Site:
Observation Time: 1847 EST
Direction from Accident Site:
Lowest Cloud Condition:
Visibility:  5 Miles
Lowest Ceiling: Broken / 800 ft agl
Visibility (RVR):
Wind Speed/Gusts: 3 knots /
Turbulence Type Forecast/Actual: None / None
Wind Direction: 310°
Turbulence Severity Forecast/Actual:  N/A / N/A
Altimeter Setting: 29.82 inches Hg
Temperature/Dew Point: 1°C / 1°C
Precipitation and Obscuration: Light - Snow; Moderate - Mist
Departure Point: Presque Isle, ME (PQI)
Type of Flight Plan Filed: IFR
Destination: Bangor, ME (BGR)
Type of Clearance: IFR
Departure Time: 1825 EST
Type of Airspace: Class C

Airport Information

Airport: Northern Maine Regional (PQI)
Runway Surface Type: N/A
Airport Elevation: 533 ft
Runway Surface Condition: Vegetation
Runway Used: N/A
IFR Approach: None
Runway Length/Width:
VFR Approach/Landing: Forced Landing

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 2 Minor, 1 None
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Passenger Injuries: 1 None
Aircraft Fire: In-Flight
Ground Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 2 Minor, 2 None
Latitude, Longitude: 46.688889, -68.044722 (est)























HOURS estimated - LOGBOOKS were lost during investigation

AIRCRAFT:  1977 CESSNA 421C N421RX, s/n: 421C0264

An annual inspection was completed on June 2, 2017 and a 100-hr inspection was completed on September 13, 2017.

ENGINES:    #1 Continental GTSIO-520-L, s/n: 610003, TT: 5052.8, TSOH 973.4 - according to NTSB Report

#2 Continental GTSIO-520-L, s/n: 245865-N, TT 3849.3, TSOH 1140.2 - according to NTSB Report                                                             

PROPELLERS:  (2) McCauley 3FF32C501-C                            

EQUIPMENT:   According to storage facility

GNS530
PMA7000B
GPS400
KX165A
GTX 330
S-Tec 55X

DESCRIPTION OF ACCIDENT:  On 11/22/17, N421RX landed in a field after a left engine fire, per the NTSB report.

DESCRIPTION OF DAMAGES:   Damage includes but may not be limited to:

*Damage throughout fuselage and landing gear torn off from ground contact.

*Substantial damage to both left and right wings, engines and propellers.

LOCATION OF AIRCRAFT:  New Bedford, MA

REMARKS:   *NO LOG BOOKS - extracts and info from NTSB and reports

*Insurer reserves the right to reject any and all bids. 

*Salvage is as is/where is. 

*The posting information is the best to our knowledge. 

*An inspection of the salvage is recommended. 

Read more here:  http://www.avclaims.com

PRESQUE ISLE, Maine ( NEWS CENTER)— Federal authorities are looking into a crash landing at the Northern Maine Regional Airport in Presque Isle.

According to Karen Gonya with the Aroostook County Medical Center, just after 6:50 Wednesday evening, a fixed-wing aircraft that was carrying a patient as well as a paramedic and nurse from the Crown Critical Care Transport team crash-landed at the south end of the airport.

Gonya said, The plane is owned and operated by Fresh Air, LLC and is one of two planes contracted by the Aroostook Medical Center to transport patients in need of care in a tertiary care hospital, such as the ones in Bangor and Portland.

Early reports indicate that the plane experienced an engine fire after takeoff and was trying to return to the airport when it lost power and landed short of the runway.  The patient, the Crown Critical Care transport crew and the pilot were all transported to TAMC’s emergency department where they are being evaluated, said Gonya.  

TAMC President Greg LaFrancois, said, “Our thoughts and prayers are with all of those involved. I want to thank the first responders who were so quick to action to get these individuals to safety.  Our own Crown ambulance crew members, as well as crew from the Presque Isle Fire Department ambulance service were both incredible tonight.”

Gonya says federal authorities will continue to investigate the incident. 

Original article can be found here ➤  http://www.wcsh6.com


A medical transport plane carrying a patient, a paramedic, a nurse and the pilot crash landed at the Northern Maine Regional Airport in Presque Isle Wednesday.

The aircraft, owned and operated by Fresh Air LLC is leased by the Aroostook Medical Center, to transport patients to higher levels of care at different hospitals.

According to a release issued by the hospital the aircraft’s engine caught fire on takeoff and as the pilot attempted to return and land the plane it crashed short of the runway.

All four people on board including the patient, transport crew and the pilot, were injured and were being evaluated at the hospital, according to the release from medical center President Greg LaFrancois. No patient conditions were released by the hospital.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with all those involved,” LaFrancois said in a prepared statement. “I want to thank the first responders who were so quick to action to get these individuals to safety.”

Ambulances from Crown Ambulance and the Presque Isle Fire Department responded to the crash.

The crash is under investigation by federal aviation authorities.

Original article can be found here ➤ http://www.pressherald.com

PRESQUE ISLE, Me (WAGM) - A plane slid off the runway at the Presque Isle Airport Wednesday night.


According to TAMC, just after 6:50 this evening, a fixed-wing aircraft that was carrying a patient as well as a paramedic and nurse from the Crown Critical Care Transport team crash landed at the south end of the Northern Maine Regional Airport in Presque Isle. 


The plane is owned and operated by Fresh Air, LLC and is one of two contracted by The Aroostook Medical Center to transport patients in need of care in a tertiary care hospital, such as the ones in Bangor and Portland.


Early reports indicate that the plane experienced an engine fire after takeoff and was trying to return to the airport when it lost power and landed short of the runway. 


The patient, the Crown Critical Care transport crew and the pilot were all transported to TAMC’s emergency department where they are being evaluated.


"The plane was a twin-engine Cessna, it crashed off the east side of taxiway alpha on airport grounds.


Luckily there was four souls on board, there was minor injuries.


It was a medevac plane that was taking a patient down to another hospital. 


Everyone is being treating right now and seem to be okay," said Presque Isle Deputy Fire Chief Adam Rider.


Original article can be found here ➤ http://www.wagmtv.com