Accident Overview
On January 10, 2021, at approximately 1301 eastern standard time, a Cessna 421B, registration N421DP, was substantially damaged in an accident near Old Bethpage, New York. The pilot sustained serious injuries. The flight was conducted as a personal flight under Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91.
Flight Sequence
The pilot reported departing runway 32 at Republic Airport (FRG) in Farmingdale, New York, about 1300. During the initial climb, at approximately 1,000 feet above ground level, one engine stopped producing power. The pilot verified all engine controls were full forward and the main fuel tanks were selected. Shortly after, the remaining engine began to surge and then also stopped producing power. The pilot established best glide speed and searched for a suitable area for a forced landing. The airplane impacted a solid waste disposal facility located about 2.3 nautical miles northwest of FRG.
Post-Impact Observations
Surveillance video captured the final seconds before impact. The airplane approached the ground at a nearly flat pitch angle and struck left wing first. No visible smoke, vapors, or mist trailed the airplane. Wing flaps and landing gear were retracted.
A firefighter first responder reported no visible or olfactory fuel on the ground upon arrival, nor any pooling or fuel buildup during his travels to and from the wreckage. Another first responder noted a minimal fuel leak from the fuselage, with a drip rate of about 5 drops per minute, which stopped after 5-10 minutes. Inspection revealed no fuel in the left wing; the right wing was too damaged to examine further.
A Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector reported major damage to the nose, both wings, and the fuselage, which came to rest at a 70° angle. No signs of fuel were present under or near the wreckage, and no fuel spillage on the adjacent street. All fuel tanks were empty. Localized postaccident fire damage was observed inside the right engine compartment, forward of the turbocharger.
Wreckage Examination
The wreckage was recovered to a secure facility for examination. All major structural components were accounted for. Flight control continuity was established to the elevator, rudder, and ailerons (via the center cabin bellcrank).
All five fuel filler caps were installed. The right main fuel tip tank was intact with no hydraulic deformation; the forward section of the left main tip tank was separated from its attachments. Both tip tank center baffles were intact. The wing auxiliary (bladder) tanks were compromised by impact forces. The left-wing nacelle locker tank was intact and empty.
Engine Examination
The left engine showed no external damage, cracks, or oil leaks. Manual rotation produced compression and suction on all cylinders, with correct valve movement. Top spark plugs appeared normal based on a Champion inspection chart. Both magnetos produced spark. The oil filter contained no ferrous particulates. The engine-driven fuel pump pumped fuel when rotated. The fuel manifold valve had no internal damage or contamination, and the fuel strainer had normal to moderate sediment with a clean screen.
Examination of the right engine yielded similar results, except the oil filter exhibited discoloration from postaccident fire damage but was free of particulates.
Fuel Management System Data
The airplane was equipped with a Shadin fuel management system. The cockpit display unit was removed and sent to the NTSB Vehicle Recorders Laboratory. The unit recorded the accident flight, showing a "FUEL REM" (fuel remaining) indication of 36.1 gallons and a "FUEL USED" indication of 0.0 gallons. The accuracy of the fuel remaining value depended on proper operator input.
Pilot Statement
The pilot reported departing FRG with 112 gallons of fuel on board. He was requested, through his attorney, to provide documentation of the last refueling (time, date, location, amount) but did not provide it to the NTSB or FAA.