Accident Overview
On November 22, 2017, about 1845 eastern standard time, a Cessna 421C, registration N421RX, was substantially damaged during a forced landing shortly after takeoff from Northern Maine Regional Airport (PQI) in 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 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 departed PQI about 1840, destined for Bangor International Airport (BGR), Bangor, Maine.
Pilot Actions
The pilot reported an uneventful preflight inspection and ground operations. After takeoff on runway 19, the pilot retracted the landing gear and turned off the landing lights. He then observed flames emanating from the left engine nacelle. He immediately retarded the throttle and turned off the fuel boost pump, but 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 in sight while drifting in and out of clouds. Unable to align for runway 19, he attempted to land on runway 10 but realized the airspeed was dropping and the airplane would not reach it, so he landed in an adjacent field. After touchdown, the landing gear broke away and the airplane came to a stop in the grass.
Weather Conditions
The PQI automated weather observation at 1848 reported 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 clouds at 500 ft with rain and snow at the time of the accident.
Examination Findings
An FAA inspector examined the wreckage. The airplane came to rest upright. The landing gear had 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 localized white discoloration near the turbocharger area. Further examination showed soot and darkening below and behind the fuel injector system near the turbocharger. The top engine cowling exhibited paint bubbling and discoloration from intense heat, consistent with the area above the fuel injector system.
The fuel system was pressurized with 40 psi of air, and escaping air was heard near the mixture control arm of the fuel injector system. A soapy water mixture applied to that area produced bubbles immediately. No other leaks were detected. The fuel injector system was removed, revealing blue staining in and around the mixture arm. A pressure check of the exhaust system found no leaks at any welds or joints.
Maintenance Records
A review of the engine logbooks showed no evidence of recent maintenance or repair on the fuel injection system. An annual inspection was completed on June 2, 2017, and a 100-hour inspection on September 13, 2017.