What happened
On July 11, 2024, a Cessna 402B, registration N4167G, was involved in a fatal accident near Rafael Hernandez Airport (BQN) in Aguadilla, Puerto Rico. The flight was being operated by a private pilot for personal purposes under 14 CFR Part 91.
Following a preflight inspection assisted by a mechanic, the pilot intended to fly from BQN to San Juan Airport (SJU) to address maintenance issues. During the preflight, the mechanic noted that the fuel tanks were nearly empty or only partially full. Although the pilot added 13 gallons of 100LL fuel, the mechanic estimated the left main tank held approximately 15 gallons and the right main tank held between 6 and 8 gallons. The pilot reportedly planned to use the main tanks for takeoff and transition to the auxiliary tanks during the flight.
After departing runway 8, the aircraft climbed to approximately 1,500 feet MSL. The pilot contacted the tower at 0921 AST, stating he was returning to runway 8 to check a vibration on the right engine. Shortly after, at 0922 AST, the pilot issued a mayday declaration, reporting an engine failure and stating his intention to use the other side of the runway. Air traffic controllers cleared the pilot to land on runway 26.
As the aircraft approached the runway 26 threshold, air traffic controllers and surveillance video observed the airplane roll abruptly to the right and descend vertically into terrain. The aircraft impacted a residential area, striking trees, powerlines, and propane tanks. The impact caused an explosion and a post-crash fire. The pilot sustained 1 fatal injury, while a person on the ground sustained minor injuries from falling from a bicycle after being struck by debris.
The investigation
Investigators examined the wreckage and found the landing gear was in the retracted position. Both engines had separated from the airframe and were located a few feet forward of the wings; both exhibited impact and fire damage, though engine casings were free of large cracks or holes.
Maintenance records indicated that the aircraft had not received a recent annual or 100-hour inspection. An endorsement dated April 24, 2024, had officially labeled the aircraft as "UNAIRWORTHY," accompanied by a three-page list of uncorrected discrepancies involving the airframe and both engines. The mechanic who authored the list had advised the pilot to obtain an FAA ferry permit for the flight to San Juan, which was not done. The last recorded airworthy inspection for the aircraft was dated June 6, 2019.