ERA26LA183

On April 18, 2026, about 1410 eastern daylight time, a Cessna 421C, C-GTGR, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Richmond, Virginia. The pilot and four passengers were uninjured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 business flight. The pilot reported that they were departing from the Richmond International Airport (RIC), Richmond, Virginia. After advancing the throttles to full power for takeoff, he noted an asymmetric power condition, which required left rudder input to maintain the runway’s centerline. As the ground speed increased, the airplane veered to the right. The pilot reduced both throttles to idle; however, the airplane departed the right side of the runway, and the left wing struck an airport sign, resulting in substantial damage. The pilot subsequently taxied to the ramp, secured the airplane, and all occupants deplaned without injury. Data was successfully downloaded from the airplane’s engine monitor and forwarded to the NTSB Vehicle Recorders Laboratory, Washington, DC, for further examination. The airframe and engines were retained for further examination.