What happened
On February 22, 2013, at approximately 6:23 p.m., a Cessna 421B, registration HI 927, was performing a commercial flight from Arroyo Barril to Punta Cana when the crew encountered significant mechanical issues. During the approach, the pilot noted that the flaps were deploying slower than normal and identified a loss of power from the right engine.
As the aircraft approached the destination, the pilot attempted to extend the landing gear but received no indication that the gear was down and locked. The pilot requested a low pass to allow air traffic controllers to visually inspect the gear. While the main landing gear appeared deployed, controllers reported that the nose gear was not properly positioned. The pilot then initiated the emergency gear extension procedure. During this sequence, the aircraft suffered a total electrical failure, resulting in a loss of radio communication with the tower. The pilot had to use a cellular phone to coordinate with ground personnel to verify the gear status.
Upon landing on runway 08 at Punta Cana International Airport, the nose gear collapsed and retracted. This caused the aircraft to veer sharply to the right, exiting the runway. All 10 occupants (the pilot and nine passengers) were uninjured, though the aircraft sustained severe structural damage to the airframe, engines, and propellers.
The investigation
The CIAA investigation focused on the mechanical failure of the landing gear and the loss of electrical systems. Investigators examined maintenance records, air traffic control recordings, and the aircraft's flight path. However, the investigation faced significant challenges, as the aircraft and its engines were removed from the site by the operator, Tropical Aviation Services, without authorization from the CIAA. This removal prevented investigators from performing a detailed analysis of the electrical system to determine the exact cause of the failure. Additionally, the pilot left the scene before toxicological testing could be performed.