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May 1, 2026 · Beech C23 · N18516

Bangor, ME

Overview

Report Status
Factual report
Event Type
Accident
Date
May 1, 2026
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Bangor, ME
Aircraft
Beech C23 (1981)
Tail Number
N18516
Operator
Maine Instrument Flight
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ERA26LA196

On May 01, 2026, at 1604 eastern daylight time, a Beechcraft C23 airplane, N18516, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Bangor, Maine. The private pilot and flight instructor were uninjured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 instructional flight. According to the certified flight instructor (CFI), the purpose of the flight was to provide instruction to the private pilot in preparation for his commercial certificate. The CFI reported that the private pilot completed the preflight inspection with no discrepancies noted. After engine start, there was some momentary engine roughness; however, it did not last long, and the pilots continued with the lesson. Taxi, pretakeoff checks and departure from runway 33 at Bangor International Airport (BGR), Bangor, Maine, were normal. The CFI reported that during the initial climb, about 200 ft above ground level, the pilot’s door “popped open.” The CFI contacted air traffic control (ATC) and advised that they would need to return to land to secure the door. After returning to the airport and securing the door, they taxied back to the runway for departure. The CFI continued that, after receiving a takeoff clearance, the pilot taxied into position, applied full power, and they departed from runway 33. About 700-800 ft above mean sea level, they made a right turn to a heading of 020° and leveled the wings. The airplane subsequently began to vibrate and run rough. They elected to return to BGR. During the return, the CFI reported that the engine roughness intensified, followed by a total loss of engine power. The CFI assumed control of the airplane, declared an emergency to ATC, and maneuvered toward the runway. While overflying the runway, the CFI realized they were too high and added flaps and slipped the airplane in an effort to lose altitude; however, the airplane floated down the runway. After touchdown, insufficient runway remained to stop. The airplane overran the runway, entered the safety area, and impacted an embankment, which resulted in substantial damage to the right wing and fuselage. The airplane was retained for further examination.

Full Narrative

On May 01, 2026, at 1604 eastern daylight time, a Beechcraft C23 airplane, N18516, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Bangor, Maine. The private pilot and flight instructor were uninjured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 instructional flight. According to the certified flight instructor (CFI), the purpose of the flight was to provide instruction to the private pilot in preparation for his commercial certificate. The CFI reported that the private pilot completed the preflight inspection with no discrepancies noted. After engine start, there was some momentary engine roughness; however, it did not last long, and the pilots continued with the lesson. Taxi, pretakeoff checks and departure from runway 33 at Bangor International Airport (BGR), Bangor, Maine, were normal. The CFI reported that during the initial climb, about 200 ft above ground level, the pilot’s door “popped open.” The CFI contacted air traffic control (ATC) and advised that they would need to return to land to secure the door. After returning to the airport and securing the door, they taxied back to the runway for departure. The CFI continued that, after receiving a takeoff clearance, the pilot taxied into position, applied full power, and they departed from runway 33. About 700-800 ft above mean sea level, they made a right turn to a heading of 020° and leveled the wings. The airplane subsequently began to vibrate and run rough. They elected to return to BGR. During the return, the CFI reported that the engine roughness intensified, followed by a total loss of engine power. The CFI assumed control of the airplane, declared an emergency to ATC, and maneuvered toward the runway. While overflying the runway, the CFI realized they were too high and added flaps and slipped the airplane in an effort to lose altitude; however, the airplane floated down the runway. After touchdown, insufficient runway remained to stop. The airplane overran the runway, entered the safety area, and impacted an embankment, which resulted in substantial damage to the right wing and fuselage. The airplane was retained for further examination.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time16:04 EDT
Nearest AirportBangor Intl (0nm S)
Runway15/3
Runway Length11440 ft
Runway Width200 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftBeech C23
Tail NumberN18516
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorMaine Instrument Flight
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind310° @ 7 kt, gusting 19 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingBroken clouds 6000 ft
Temperature / Dew Point57 F / 34 F
Altimeter29.71 inHg
Observation Time15:53
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data