NTSB: Misfueling Led to Cessna 421 Crash

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has determined that a fatal crash involving a Cessna 421 aircraft on November 3, 2023, near Fort Lauderdale Executive Airport in Florida, was directly attributed to pilot error during preflight operations. Specifically, investigators found that the flight crew experienced double engine failure due to a critical misfueling event. The incident occurred when the pilots utilized an inappropriate fuel type for the aircraft’s systems, leading to a rapid reduction in available engine power. This rushed preflight procedure compounded the issue and resulted in a catastrophic loss of thrust. Consequently, the NTSB emphasizes the importance of meticulous preflight checks and accurate fuel selection as crucial safety measures within aviation.