Additional Participating Entity:
Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Portland, Maine
Aviation Accident Factual 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)
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.
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)
Location: Presque Isle, ME
Accident Number: ERA18LA033
Date & Time: 11/22/2017, 1845 EST
Registration: N421RX
Aircraft: CESSNA 421
Injuries: 4 Minor
Flight Conducted Under: Part 135: Air Taxi & Commuter - Non-scheduled - Air Medical (Medical Emergency)
On November 22, 2017, about 1845 eastern standard time, a Cessna 421C, N421RX, was substantially damaged during an off-runway landing at Northern Maine Regional Airport (PQI), Presque Isle, Maine. The commercial pilot, two crewmembers, and one passenger received minor injuries. The airplane was operated by Fresh Air LLC under the provisions of 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 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 collapsed, and the airplane came to a stop.
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. An initial examination of the left engine revealed soot on the nacelle vents and some localized white discoloration near the turbocharge area.
The wreckage was retained for further examination.
Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information
Aircraft Manufacturer: CESSNA
Registration: N421RX
Model/Series: 421 C
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Amateur Built: No
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
Observation Time: 1847 EST
Distance from Accident Site:
Temperature/Dew Point: 1°C / 1°C
Lowest Cloud Condition:
Wind Speed/Gusts, Direction: 3 knots, 310°
Lowest Ceiling: Broken / 800 ft agl
Visibility: 5 Miles
Altimeter Setting: 29.82 inches Hg
Type of Flight Plan Filed: IFR
Departure Point: Presque Isle, ME (PQI)
Destination: Bangor, ME (BGR)
Wreckage and Impact Information
Crew Injuries: 3 Minor
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Passenger Injuries: 1 Minor
Aircraft Fire: In-Flight
Ground Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 4 Minor
Latitude, Longitude: 46.688889, -68.044722 (est)
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
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
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